Whelan Exclusive: 'Brilliant' player with 3 Everton league starts can 'keep Silva in his job'

Alex Iwobi is a "brilliant" player who can help turnaround Everton's season and keep Marco Silva in his job, according to Noel Whelan.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider editor Wayne Veysey, the ex-Leeds United and Coventry City striker explained why he is a big admirer of the 23-year-old winger.

Iwobi was signed from Arsenal for a fee rising to a potential £35million during the summer window and has made three league starts among eight appearances for Everton.

Whelan has started to see signs that Iwobi can make a big impression in Silva's team.

"He was the most effective Everton player against Burnley at the weekend," Whelan told Football Insider. "He's got the pace and ability to beat players and create chances, and that's something they're lacking at the moment.

"Richarlison looks like he has lost confidence and belief in himself, and Iwobi is a bigger threat. 

"He's a brilliant talent, he just needs to find more consistency and better decision-making. The raw skill and ability is there.

"If he starts to realise his potential, he can keep Silva in his job."

This comes after Football Insider revealed that Silva fears he is one match from the sack and the Merseyside club's hierarchy are assessing possible successors.

Everton fans are losing patience with Silva on the back of a run of four consecutive league defeats leaves the team in the relegation zone during the current international break.

In other Everton news, it can be REVEALED that the club are ready to sell a player at a near-£20million loss in January.