Iwobi: Super Eagles’ Afrobeats rookie joins Fernandes, De Bruyne & Odegaard among Premier League royalty

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan

Super Eagles star Alexander Iwobi has been recognized as one of the English Premier League’s top creative forces in 2024.

Despite facing criticism after Nigeria’s silver-medal finish in AFCON 2023, the 28-year-old has turned setbacks into motivation, achieving impressive results both internationally and at his club.

Iwobi’s return to the Premier League in 2024 saw him score a last-minute goal against Manchester United, breaking a 19-year record for Fulham and sending a message about his mentality. 

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Since then, his form has continued to climb, establishing him as one of Fulham’s core players. As of 2024, ESPN ranks him fifth for chances created from open play, with 54—level with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and just one behind Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard leads with 62 chances created

Iwobi: Fulham’s model of consistency

For Fulham this season, Iwobi’s statistics demonstrate his balanced play. He’s started in all 11 league games, averaging 86 minutes per match and contributing two goals with a 12% conversion rate. His expected goals (xG) sit at 1.13, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal. 

Iwobi: Super Eagles' Afrobeats rookie joins Fernandes, De Bruyne & Odegaard among Premier League royalty
Photo by Icon Sport

Additionally, the Nigeria international's passing accuracy is solid at 82%, with an average of 24.9 accurate passes per game in the opposition’s half and five big chances created this season.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Iwobi also delivers defensively with 1.6 tackles, 3.6 recoveries, and 1.1 clearances per game. He’s also shown discipline, rarely conceding possession, which has been vital for Fulham in tight situations.

His role in Fulham’s lineup seems increasingly essential, as he is combining creativity and hard work to keep his place among the Premier League’s elite playmakers.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.