Iwobi enjoying ‘fresh start’ at Everton – Amydz88 Football

Sean Dyche stepped up to the next level in his first pre-season as Everton manager with five days of intense training and a first friendly in France and Switzerland, with Katia The Toffees won 2-1 thanks to second-half efforts by Kouyat and Katya Kouyat. Neil Maupay.

Iwobi was involved in both goals, providing a brilliant assist for the 19-year-old Kouyat and a pass to Francis Okolonkovo, who then awarded a penalty for Maupay to score.

Looking back on the week, Iwobi believes the time was well spent, highlighting the positive team chemistry and spirit currently in the squad.

“It’s been tough … of course, it’s my first week back,” he told Everton Football. “It’s tough, it’s hot, it’s humid – but those conditions will help us this season.

“It was good to be back with the team-mates too. Good atmosphere, good banter. I miss it a lot.

“The chemistry here has been really good, it’s a pleasure to be back. The morale between us is high.

“Obviously as a team we don’t want to go back to where we were last year. We want to improve and with the players we have and the quality we have we should be able to do that.”

“The most important thing is to be consistent and have enough mental toughness to go to every game.

“It’s a clean start, a fresh start and we’re working on it. Not only on the pitch but off the pitch, we’re all coming together.”

Iwobi has played in all 41 Everton official games during the 2022/23 season, scoring 11 goals (9 assists, 2 goals) in the process.

He also made three appearances for Nigeria, bringing his total to 63 appearances.

It has been a busy season for the 27-year-old, who says his fitness has been in good shape over the summer break.

“I was in the bank for 70 minutes [against Stade Nyonnais] But it feels like 90! ’ he joked. ‘No, I still feel fine. I feel like, especially at the end of the season, I’m still healthy. I’m back and I still feel healthy. I just have to make sure I can keep that up, stay injury-free and keep improving.

“It’s a good test for a good team. It’s our first game and we have a lot more work to do before the season starts. We feel good and we got a good result , enhancing physical fitness is what we want right now.

“It’s nice to have a win at the end of the week because I feel like we worked really hard as a team and it’s just a small bonus.

“There’s still a long way to go. Everyone looks very fit and sharp, even the youngsters who are here with us.

“Hopefully it’s a promising season ahead.”