Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, was delighted with the performance of Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, after he scored a brace in his side’s 3-1 win against Brighton and Hove Albion, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old capitalized on the Seagulls mistake at the back in the fourth minute before scoring a curler in the 84th minute to seal all three points for the Cottagers.
His performance drew praise from many, including his coach, who felt vindicated after backing the former Arsenal man to succeed in the Premier League this season.
“They made it difficult for us with a three-man defense, but in the end we found ways past them and scored an important and hard-fought victory. Alex Iwobi was fantastic tonight.
I know Alex very well, I took him from Arsenal to Everton. I took him from Everton to Fulham. I can use him in many different ways. Scoring many more goals, he is so important for us. He played in a slightly different position, he’s been incredible.”
Iwobi celebrating alongside his national teammate, Calvin Bassey.
“Not everyone agreed with me, but I said it during the pre-season that it was going to be a great season for him and I could feel it.
Two months ago, I was repeating the same and what a player he’s been for us. Last season was probably his best so far, and this season even better. He’s a very versatile player and that gives me the chance to move him within the game without changing players.
Tonight, he played in three different positions and he’s so important for us in many aspects of the game and he’s giving us what we need from a player like him.
He’s assisting, scoring goals like he’s never scored in his career so far. I have no doubts it’ll be his best season.
He’s taking the responsibility that a player like him should take because he has this ability and talent to do it and I’m really pleased that he’s with us. We spent that much to sign him last season because we know the kind of player he is,” the Portuguese gaffer told Fulham TV after the game.
Iwobi is just a goal contribution short of his best-ever season in the English Premier League, but he has 24 more games to break his personal record. Fulham take on Arsenal at the Craven Cottage on Sunday.