Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is hoping to use David Moyes’ selection issues as a chance to impress the Scot.
The Blues are light in midfield, with injuries and international responsibilities piling up.
Indeed, Idrissa Gueye will be unavailable for up to six more games while competing at AFCON with Senegal.
Meanwhile, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall picked up a hamstring injury during last week’s defeat to Chelsea.
Merlin Rohl returned as a substitute against Arsenal after a period in the treatment room. However, the German looked off the pace during his second half cameo and may need time to regain match fitness.
It’s an opportunity that’s seemingly not lost on Tim Iroegbunam, who plans to use the unfortunate situation to his advantage.
Speaking after the Arsenal game, he said: “I always look up to Idrissa, but I’m hoping I can show what I can so that when he comes back, I’m giving the gaffer a reason to not put him straight back in.
“That’s on me. That’s my opportunity. I’ve just got to go and grab it.”
IT COULD BE A BIG MONTH FOR IROEGBUNAM. TIME TO SHOW WHAT HE CAN DO
The 22-year-old performed well in midfield, and was statistically among the best players on the pitch.
Indeed, Iroegbunam won the highest number of tackles and completed the most interceptions.
The midfielder also exhibited an impressive work rate, covering the second highest distance on the day.
He continued: “I worked hard, put in good tackles, carried the team forwards at some points. Obviously, I wouldn’t say it was a perfect performance.
“I’ve been in and out of the team. I missed the [Nottingham Forest] game because I had five yellow cards. I feel like today I did a quite-decent job.
“There’s still loads to come, but I feel like It’s definitely a performance to bounce on from.”
There’s no doubt it’s an opportunity for the young lad. Let’s hope he grabs it.
