Ball claims Iwobi struggles tactically under Benitez

Ex-Everton defender Michael Ball believes Alex Iwobi is struggling to adapt to Rafa Benitez’s tactics at Everton this season.

The Nigerian has featured in Everton’s opening two games of the season under Benitez and hasn’t particularly impressed.

Having netted just four times across all competitions in his last two seasons at Everton, Ball criticised Iwobi for not being good enough since he moved to Goodison Park from Arsenal in August 2019.

“He’s complained in the past that he’s not playing in his favourite position. What position that is, I’m not too sure,” Ball told Football FanCast.

“Desire and effort he’s got, he shows it, when he’s playing out of position he does work hard so you can’t fault him on that but I just think his ability, especially under Rafa and under Carlo, tactical wise, let him down a little bit.”

Over the last two seasons, Iwobi has played in different positions at Everton either as a wing-back or midfielder. For his national team, however, he starts at the centre of the midfield.