Alex Iwobi is promising a “mentally strong” and highly-motivated Everton in today’s (Wednesday) Premier League clash against Everton.
Iwobi joined Everton from Arsenal on August’s transfer deadline day and the Nigeria international admits he is savouring the prospect of his first Merseyside derby.
The Nigeria international though, insists the points at stake are occupying the forefront of his mind, over and above the identity of Everton’s opponents, following Sunday’s hurtful defeat at Leicester City.
The 23-year-old came back into Everton’s team for the clash with Leicester and was integral to Marco Silva’s rejigged formation swiftly clicking into gear.
He slid in Djibril Sidibe to create Everton’s goal for Richarlison – a carbon copy of the move which won the Blues’ game at Southampton last month – and worked furiously to give his team balance and attacking thrust.
Iwobi nevertheless drew little comfort from his own display in light of Everton’s stoppage-time loss, preferring to switch his focus to the midweek contest at Anfield.
“Going into that game we have to take the positives [from the Leicester performance] but also learn from our mistakes,” Iwobi told evertontv.
“We cannot let our heads drop and we will go again.
“We will be mentally strong and prepared for the match. You want to come out on top in a derby, there cannot be any greater motivation, and I am sure we will pick up our heads and be ready to go again.
“The team did very well [at Leicester], we were just unfortunate with the result.
“I have played in London derbies and I am excited to see what happens in my first Merseyside one.
“I felt I did well against Leicester but the main thing is I want to help the team win, so I can’t say I was pleased [with my own performance].”
