“He’s onto us 24/7” – Iwobi says Benitez doesn’t give players any rest at Everton

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi has praised Everton manager Rafael Benitez for helping him improve his form at the start of the season, adding that the Spanish boss pushes them hard in training and that has been helpful.

“The manager is always talking to me and trying to help me,” Iwobi told Everton TV. “It’s helped me a lot so far this season.

“It’s not just me, of course, but the whole team [he speaks to]. My confidence is playing a big part, too. I’m pushing a bit more up the field and getting involved in attacks.

“I just need to add more goals and assists, like the manager wants. With the manager, he doesn’t give us any rest, he’s onto us 24/7. This is what we need.

“You can see everyone’s playing with a lot of confidence. That big motivation is there [to continue achieving positive results].

“We’ve started off very well, but we have to keep going until the end. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park in June and as a result, the Nigerian has played in all of Everton’s games this season, and has registered a goal and an assist already.