Alex Iwobi once again showed his value to Frank Lampard as he battled hard against Aston Villa.
After just over 30 minutes of the game he effectively became Everton's only fit first team centre midfielder with the exception of Jean-Philippe Gbamin - who did not make the squad. That follows Iwobi's move to that position - not traditionally his own - when it was enforced upon Lampard for the pre-season friendly against Dynamo Kyiv.
Iwobi partnered Abdoulaye Doucoure in that game and the two have started both Premier League games so far this season. Despite not playing in his natural role, Iwobi was still impressive in the 2-1 defeat.
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Lampard's reign at Goodison Park has been dominated by injuries that have left him playing players out of position. On more than one occasion the solution has been the versatile Iwobi. Last season, this saw Iwobi finish the campaign as right wing back and the 26-year-old earned new backing from Everton fans as his tireless work rate and effort helped the club avoid relegation.
This campaign has seen him paired with Doucoure while Lampard and director of football Kevin Thelwell search the transfer market in an attempt to strengthen in the centre of the pitch. Iwobi has again answered his manager's call and played well in both games. At Villa Park he produced the inch-perfect ball that found Demarai Gray just yards out, though his teammate was unable to convert. He was also the player who pressured Lucas Digne into conceding an own goal later in the game.
Iwobi's best position may now be a question that will have to wait. After Doucoure left the field injured in the first half, he was replaced by Tom Davies. Davies is still recovering from a calf injury and, like, Amadou Onana who later came on, is still not yet match fit. Both will now have a week to prepare for Forest should Doucoure be unavailable, though Lampard has stressed Onana must be given patience as he settles in to life in the Premier League. Allan had been ruled out after picking up a knock in training on Friday while Andre Gomes picked up an injury in the US.
So while efforts to strengthen the centre of Everton's midfield are ongoing - Lampard has been vocal about the requirement to do this and the attempt to bring Idrissa Gueye back to the club from Paris Saint Germain is continuing - it may well be that Iwobi is asked to continue his new life as a central midfielder. What is clear is that Iwobi will give everything he has to the team - and despite his lack of experience in that position, he can still have a positive influence on the game.
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