Can Benitez arrival salvage Iwobis muddled Everton career?
Despite supporters misgivings over the deal, the Spaniards Liverpool connection should be the least of fans and the Super Eagles worries  On the one hand, its pretty easy to understand why Everton fans were largely united in protestation before Rafael Benitez was appointed this week. While some of those objections went disgracefully overboard, the Spaniards selection means he becomes only the second-ever manager to take charge of Liverpool and the Toffees. 129 years since William Edward Barclay, the former Newcastle United boss replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout, following the latters return to Real Madrid, and now must help Everton bounce back from losing the most decorated manager in the clubs history. Editors Picks The English are always bitter  Immobile diving row shouldnt detract from Italys status as the best team at Euro 2020  First undroppable, now unstoppable: Kane can lead England to Euro 2020 glory  Its coming home  England fans dreaming of Euro 2020 glory after 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine  Brazil beware! Messi-inspired Argentina are now real Copa America contenders  Despite the Merseyside Derby dubbed the friendly derby, supporters of the Goodison Park outfit showed their disgust at the move. While Barclays century-long record may give an insight into the antipathy felt by Evertonians, 61-year-old Benitezs seemingly derogatory comments about the club when he managed their Anfield rivals probably provoked the angry reaction. Managerial changes unavoidably prompt discussions over players and how they fit or otherwise in the new regime, and its no different for Nigeria star Alex Iwobi. Last season was pretty mixed for the Super Eagle: he began the campaign out of Ancelottis squads, worked his way back into the team via moonlighting at wing-back, before petering out in the final months of 2020/21. Admittedly, the clubs season that promised a place in Europe at the halfway point fell flat on its face at the denouement, reasonably insulating the Nigerian who never seemed to earn the trust of the experienced Italian boss.  Goal Africa (@GoalAfrica) July 4, 2021  Regardless of a few strong performances when he deputised at right wing-back, the former Arsenal player looked to be nothing but a makeshift, rotational performer under the three-time Champions League winner. Having to make do with being an unused substitute in four of Evertons last seven games somewhat reflected Ancelottis trust  or lack thereof  in the West African as the Merseyside club clung to fading hopes of playing in Europe in 2021/22. Ostensibly, there doesnt seem to be a clear path for the attacking midfielder despite the change in the dugout, especially with James Rodriguez and Richarlison still at the club. Despite Benitez mostly utilising a back five in his final season at Newcastle, his preferred formation for the majority of his English football career was 4-2-3-1a tactic he deployed in 2017/18, after guiding the Magpies back to the top flight from the Championship. As it is, the Colombia playmaker looks set to play another year at least in the Premier League having been attracted to the club by Ancelotti last summer. Injuries may have limited the South Americans game time as last season wore on, but his individual quality indicates hes the first-choice attacking midfielder. The left flank slot is presumably occupied by Richarlison, whose best displays for the club have been as an inside forward on that side. While he can play as a makeshift frontman and on the right flank, theres an expectation to see Benitez deploy the former Watford player in his preferred position. This leaves Iwobi facing a battle in his third campaign on Merseyside because his path to consistent football may not be assured. Indeed, the former Golden Boy nominee probably wouldnt have envisaged a situation in which hed not be a regular after two seasons at USM Finch Farm. Arguably more concerning for the Nigerian ought to be the clubs unclear direction under Farhad Moshiri. The British-Iranian businessman has been vocal about his ambition to see Everton upset the applecart in England and compete consistently with the so-called top six. The clubs proposed stadium move and heavy investment since 2016 has been marked, but the Merseyside teams method seems utterly bizarre. While terms like identity and approach can sometimes be overused in football, the Toffees questionable modus operandi leaves a lot to be desired. Not only will Iwobi be starting his third year with a different head coach in charge, but all three also have little or nothing in common. Marco Silva lasted less than six months after the attacking midfielder signed, Ancelotti spent around 18 months after joining in December 2019 and Benitez will be the new man for next season. Throw in the appointments of Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce before Silva, and Moshiris high aspirations for Everton may well never get off the ground if their identity continues to confuse. Benitez, in isolation, is one of the cleverest tactical minds in the game and, in theory, ought to make this Toffees group even harder to beat and competitive if the players absorb his ideas. Supporters may still bear a grudge over the Spaniards condescending comments years back, but the clubs broader approach should prompt more concerns for fans. Iwobi, likewise, ought to be anxious as the Merseyside club seemingly continue to be pushed from pillar to post in their ambitious aspirations to challenge the leagues heavyweights.