Alex Iwobi surprise justifies Carlo Ancelotti as Jonjoe Kenny watches on for Everton

Royal Blue: Carlo Ancelotti on Alex Iwobi’s wing-back role against Fulham

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Carlo Ancelotti chose this match to introduce the new system that a number of Everton fans have wanted to see recently.

But, in doing so, he unearthed a performance from a player many might have been surprised to even see in the starting line-up – certainly not in the position he ended up in, anyway.

The Blues switched to a three-at-the-back against Fulham on Sunday afternoon in a bid to both make them more solid defensively and to unlock the attacking output that was so strong at the beginning of the term.

But with Seamus Coleman out, and despite having Jonjoe Kenny as part of the travelling party to London, Alex Iwobi was instead chosen as the right wing back in this new system, playing just ahead of Ben Godfrey on that side.

It’s been a mixed season for the Nigeria international thus far. His performance against Brighton from the bench in particular was brilliant, but his half against Southampton was decidedly below par to say the least.

Even his manager might have been a little surprised at just how well he performed on this occasion however, playing in a position which is rather unnatural to him.

Fulham’s defence didn’t have any clue how to deal with Iwobi whenever he gained possession out on the flank. His direct attitude and ability to run with the ball were ripping the newly-promoted side to shreds.

Even when Everton were not playing at the peak of their powers in the stage of the first 45 minutes which saw the hosts score their goal, the signs from the 24-year-old were strong.

The Nigeria international was finding all kinds of space out wide and whipped some very dangerous crosses into the box before playing a crucial role in Calvert-Lewin’s second goal of the afternoon.

That run with the ball directly at the heart of the Fulham defence, beating three players in the process, is exactly what Blues supporters have wanted to see on a consistent basis from Iwobi.

Whenever he picked up possession, he was always thinking about how he could carry the ball forward and get his side back on the front foot.

The second period was a little more quiet in this sense with the Blues in general seemingly taking their foot off the gas a little bit, but that shouldn’t take away from how pivotal he was to some fantastic football in the first half.

Defensively his positioning might not have been perfect on occasion, but it was still good enough to eventually help the Blues see out a result.

While his side were clearly on the back foot in the second half, he was still trying his best to bring the ball forward and get them on the offensive again.

He might have left some gaps at the back and his man-marking wasn’t as you might expect from a seasoned player in that role, but he was more than capable.

Iwobi’s best position in the Everton team has been an interesting debate ever since he joined the club. Is he an attacking midfielder more suited to a central role? Is he a winger?

The former Arsenal man’s versatility has never been in question, but perhaps Ancelotti has stumbled on another option which could give him a free role to try and attack and create chances for his side.

The other thing to consider, though, is where this all might leave Kenny.

The right-back travelled with the rest of the squad to west London for this match and many presumed he would be the man called upon to replace Coleman in the side thanks to the captain’s injury.

However, not only was he not picked in the starting line-up, the 23-year-old wasn’t even among the substitutes.

Having enjoyed his time on loan with Schalke last term and putting in a number of promising displays in the Bundesliga, he might have expected a few more opportunities this term.

At the very least he would have wanted to be the man called upon in the absence of Coleman, rather than a winger being picked in his stead.

Iwobi’s performance justified the decision, of course. Everton wouldn’t have had the same attacking flair and penetration if Kenny was on that side rather than the Nigeria international.

But you have to wonder, with the right-back coming into the last year of his contract next summer, where does his future lie?

For Iwobi, again the questions over where his best position actually is now has another option to consider.

Arguably his best display in an Everton shirt has now come as a right wing back.

Who would have thought that when when he signed for the club?