The derby day performance of Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has been hailed as 'exceptional' by World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf.
The Blues fought out a goalless draw with local rivals Liverpool amid a white hot atmosphere at Goodison Park on Saturday, with both sides having chances to win it.
Nigerian international Iwobi was one of a handful of standout performers for Frank Lampard's side on the day, and his efforts did not go unnoticed by former Chelsea centre-back and French international Leboeuf.
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Speaking to ESPN FC after the match, he said: “I have to say I have to give credit to Everton. What I saw from Iwobi in the middle of the park was absolutely exceptional. That guy was replaced in another position but he was still outstanding.”
Leboeuf, now 54, won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championships in 2000 with France and enjoyed a successful five-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
Former Arsenal player Iwobi has started all of Everton's matches so far this season and is enjoyed something of a rebirth under the guidance of Lampard on Merseyside. The 26-year-old has played in a number of different positions but seems to have started to excel in a midfield role.
“When I first came into the club and you're trying to assess players really quickly, and Alex in training - quiet lad, really good lad, low maintenance - I saw him in training and thought ‘wow, this boy can run’,” Lampard told BT Sport’s Between The Lines. “The second ball nature of our game and how important that is, and Alex is in constant motion.
“The other thing about him is that he has a really underrated quality. Those kinds of passes and that awareness - he came through a really good academy at Arsenal. Alex came and played as a winger when I first got here, then in midfield as a necessity you’re thinking what has he got? Loads of energy and can handle the ball, let's see if he can go in midfield. The minute he’s gone in there for us, he has the ability on the ball.
“It’s not a surprise. When I came in there was almost a little bit of negativity around Alex from certain areas outside, people kind of boxed him off, but I understood straight away that the dressing room respected him and that’s a big deal.”
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