Hutton claims Benitez will sideline 'incredible' Iwobi after Everton news

Alan Hutton claims Alex Iwobi could be sidelined by Rafa Benitez after his first move as Everton boss was to bring two wingers to the club.

The former Aston Villa defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the Toffees' recent business.

On 22nd July Everton announced the signing of Demarai Gray for a reported £1.7million fee.

This followed the arrival of Andros Townsend, who joined the club on a free transfer earlier that week.

Iwobi, 25, made 30 Premier League appearances under Carlo Ancelotti last season, in a number of positions.

As well as playing as a winger, the former Arsenal man was called on to play as a full-back as the Blues suffered an injury crisis.

His defending left a lot to be desired and Hutton claims the defensive-minded Benitez may have spotted this weakness.

"They need competition in those areas," Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.

"Maybe Benitez feels those players like Iwobi haven't done enough or they can't play as he wants them to play.

"You need competition in all areas and Everton looked a bit bare there.

"On his day, Iwobi can be incredible. The problem is he has a lot of days where he's not.

"He's so inconsistent, Benitez clearly feels that's a problem. Benitez teams are very good structurally.

"They are hard to break down and keep their shape well. Andros can play that way, maybe the others can't.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how he lines them up on the first day of the season."

Iwobi has made 65 appearances for the Blues since joining from Arsenal in 2019.

Last season, Ancelotti criticised the winger's "difficult" performances as Everton's form dropped off. [Liverpool Echo]

In other news, Danny Mills predicts 25-year-old to explode after confirmed news.