Everton’s 2-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League at the weekend put to bed any doubts of poor form under David Moyes – and he unleashed a secret weapon that nobody is talking about to secure the win.
Everton had gone three games without a win until they were triumphant over the Cottagers, and it was just one win in seven until goals either side of half-time from Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane dragged them over the line.
David Moyes’ men are now just four points away from the Champions League spots, and a solid run of form from here-on in could propel them to new levels in the Premier League.
And it’s Moyes’ use of unsung hero Tim Iroegbunam that has formed a winning pattern, with the young midfielder becoming his secret weapon.
Everton FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
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Everton have started to use Tim Iroegbunam as their secret weapon
Iroegbunam has played a part in each of Everton’s wins in the Premier League this season.
Starting in the 2-0 home win over Brighton in the Hill Dickinson Stadium’s Premier League bow, he also came off the bench to see out a win over Wolves the week after.
Iroegbunam also started in the 0-0 draw against former club Aston Villa, but was seldom used from there.
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He did play a part in the win over Crystal Palace, being fouled for the penalty that Iliman Ndiaye dispatched – and with another assist against Fulham at the weekend, it really does seem that Everton play worse when he’s not on the pitch.
David Moyes now finally seems to know how to use his secret weapon, and the underlying stats show he’s completely justified in that decision.
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Tim Iroegbunam has quietly been one of the best Premier League midfielders
You may not suspect it on the face of his performances, but Tim Iroegbunam has been going about his business as one of the most underrated midfielders in the Premier League. Sheffield United were linked in the summer but a move never transpired, and that’s a blessing in disguise.
Although he isn’t a top passer by any metric, with just 26 passes attempted per game and only 2.37 of those being progressive, he’s one of the best at winning the ball back, per FBREF.
For all of the midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues, alongside the Champions League and Europa League, Iroegbunam ranks in the top one percent for interceptions and blocks, and although he’s slightly less proficient at tackling, he still ranks in the top three percent of all midfielders.
Statistic (per 90 mins) Number Percentage rank in top five leagues
Assists 0.34 >1%
Tackles 3.38 >3%
Interceptions 2.54 >1%
Blocks 3.38 >1%
Aerials Won 2.03 >9%
He’s also strong in the air, and has boasted two assists this season – again, putting him in the top one percent of midfielders in those aforementioned competitions.
Iroegbunam may not be a huge name, but at just 22 years of age and with 48 Premier League appearances to his name, he’s certainly a rising star in Moyes’ team.