I disguised myself to play football – Iwobi shares touching story on Everton struggles

In-form Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up on his early struggles at Goodison Park after joining the Toffees from Arsenal in August 2019.

The 26-year-old endured a difficult start to life at Everton until Frank Lampard took over the reins of the club in January following the sacking of Raphael Benitez.

The playmaker has revealed that he used to disguise himself to play football with friends when he was struggling for game time at Everton.

“I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but I would play football with my friends, especially when I wasn’t in the team. Little games, maybe twice a week, just to enjoy it, the Nigerian international told iNews

“I never lost my love for football, even though I saw all the negativity. We played at a place in Manchester. I always wore a hat and snood, otherwise people would have recognised me. There were about 16 of us. At first, I knew about five people, but once I went regularly, I got to know everyone. It was good fun.”

Iwobi has been Everton's best player under manager Frank Lampard. The ex-Gunner man was instrumental to the club's relegation survival last season.

He maintained the same form this season with some exciting football in the midfield for Everton.

He is currently ranked the best passer in the Premier League as a forward and has also managed 5 assists plus a single goal this season.

WDN