Everton to hold Tim Iroegbunam 'talks' in bid to avoid extended ban
David Moyes is likely to hold talks with Tim Iroegbunam after the Everton midfielder picked up his second yellow card in as many games, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the player's reckless nature needs to be addressed before Moyes loses one of his stars to an extended ban.
Iroegbunam was lucky to remain on the pitch against Leeds United last weekend, with the 22-year-old then charging into Yasin Ayari against Brighton on Sunday, 24 August.
Stuart Attwell had already dished out a yellow card to Maxim De Cuyper before sanctioning the Toffees midfielder, seeing him well on his way to the first suspension checkpoint in the Premier League.
Tim Iroegbunam at risk of suspension already
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Once a player hits five yellow cards, within the first 19 games of the campaign, they will be suspended for one match, and concerns are already being raised over Iroegbunam's chances of reaching that.
The former Aston Villa gem started just five Premier League games last season, but despite his lack of minutes, he still managed to pick up four yellow cards, two of which came in the final two games.
Idrissa Gueye, who recently signed a new deal, is the perfect example of a midfielder who adjusted his playing style to limit the number of yellow cards, and Iroegbunam has been told to follow suit.
David Moyes to hold talks over Everton ace's discipline
Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about his concerns over Iroegbunam, saying: “Knowing David Moyes, even going to Finch Farm and chatting to him about a particular player’s behaviour, there’s no doubt that he and his coaches understand they need to do a bit of work on him.
“Otherwise, they’re going to lose him because he’ll be suspended after receiving five yellow cards, and he’s on that path pretty quickly after just two games.
“Moyes will almost certainly pull Iroegbunam aside. He needs some advice, whether that comes from the manager or the players around him, but with the tackles going in, they’re easy ones for the referees to recognise.
“You can easily find a challenge that could convert to red if a referee’s judgement or viewing angle is not the greatest, or if VAR intervenes.
“He needs advice to avoid a red card in the future. No manager will want to get rid of the enthusiasm, but something is missing here, and it needs to be resolved.”