Everton news: Marco Silva reveals why the club signed Alex Iwobi and where he might fit in

The Nigerian signed from Arsenal for £35 million late on deadline day

Marco Silva has revealed the qualities that attracted Everton to Alex Iwobi.

Talking ahead of Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace, Silva suggested that the Nigerian can add a different dimension to Everton’s forward line.

“The position we are looking to him is coming from the left and behind the striker,” he said. ”He can play on the right also but we are looking from the left and behind the striker.”

“He is a strong player and good skills also. I want him to score more goals. He will help us.”

Iwobi was Everton’s seventh addition of a busy summer. As the club plots a top-six challenge, Silva recognises the potential importance of what should be a potent front four.

“He can put good intensity into the match. He will give different solutions to me.

“We are happy with Richarlison, Bernard and Theo Walcott and he will look to improve.”

With their pursuit of Wilfried Zaha having proved an unsuccessful one, there may be a little extra edge to Everton’s opening-day visit to Selhurst Park.

“Winning the game will be tough. To go there and play a football match and win is always our goal,” Silva suggested ahead of the fixture.

“Some of their players I know well. It will be tough like always when you go there.”

Silva refused to confirm who Everton’s new captain would be after the departure of Phil Jagielka.

“I will not say the name to you now. There will be no big difference to last season.

“We had Jags, Leighton, Coleman and sometimes Gylfi and Tom.

“It will be within these names.”