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Alex Iwobi is discussing the multi-coloured braids in his hair and how even his hairdo has assisted his football in what he views as his finest start to a Premier League season so far.

'Yeah, that in fact plays a part (in expressing myself),' the Fulham midfielder says.

'My father's in the house and he's most likely heard me. He didn't like that I coloured my hair. I got bored and didn't desire to suffice off so I believed let's do something different that nobody else has. I actually informed the hairdresser to 'express yourself' however not too wild. It's wild because it's red and purple at the minute however I like it. My papa's accepted it now so I'm simple.'

It's a stark contrast from the short-haired 19-year-old who made his Arsenal debut under Arsene Wenger in 2015.

Iwobi firmly insists that he's always had the state of mind of sensation like there's more to life than football however has actually just revealed himself more in the last few years, going to Paris Fashion Week, launching songs and launching his charitable structure, Project 17.

'It's always been my pastime to do music, charity work and things in fashion. But it's just just recently that I've been expressing myself a lot more, to reveal people that I am not simply a footballer. There is more to life, he says.

Alexi Iwobi has made his best start to a Premier League season with 5 in 15 matches

The 28-year-old says his multi-coloured braids have actually contributed to his on-pitch enhancement

It's a stark contrast from the short-haired teen who made his launching under Arsene Wenger

This weekend, the 28-year-old will have his work cut out as Fulham take on league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday and on Sunday, he will be back in London feeding 100 families for Christmas as part of Project 17.

For one day, there will be an AleXpress in Canning Town, his home town, where whatever will be free in a regional supermarket.

'You understand what Liverpool are like - it's going to be an intense game however whether I get cramp or have no hamstrings, I will be there on Sunday,' Iwobi tensions.

'In your home I was raised in, my papa naturally just returned. To individuals in Nigeria, to his household and even people in the street - he would just purchase bottles of water and offer them to neighbours. Seeing how my mum and papa are has actually influenced me to offer to others, whether they are lucky or less lucky. With the position I am in, I feel like it's only ideal with the influence I have that I offer back as well.'

Through these initiatives off the pitch, Iwobi believes is the secret to his success on the pitch too. The Nigerian has currently scored more objectives than in any other season, with five in the league for a Fulham side that is just 2 points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest.

'As a youngster you wish to do your finest to impress the supervisor and desire everybody to know you are totally concentrated on football. But it (flexibility) comes with age, being totally free and not being pressed about unfavorable comments. If it's constructive, you do not mind the criticism,' he says.
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'You have to be strong psychologically. Players do well when they're confident and with me, feeling great to express myself on and off the pitch, I almost feel unstoppable. And when you have individuals that back you, it really plays a part.'

One of those people that backs him is Marco Silva, who signed Iwobi for ₤ 35M at Everton from Arsenal in 2019, and didn't be reluctant when he had the opportunity to bring him back to London on Deadline Day in 2015. After his brace versus Brighton last week, Silva stated it was Iwobi's 'finest season in the Premier League up until now' and he agrees.

The 28-year-old will feed 100 families on Sunday for Christmas as part of Project 17
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Iwobi firmly insists that he's constantly had the state of mind of feeling like there's more to life than football

Earlier this year, Iwobi ended up being the very first Premier League footballer to release a single with his debut song 'Don't Shoot' and in November released a follow-up 'What's Luv?'

'I have been included in a great deal of goals, contributing a lot, and defensively I have been working well. You could state it's my best start to the season - I simply need to keep it going and ensure it's my best season. That's the goal' says Iwobi, who credits Silva for providing him 'the license to reveal' himself. 'It's great to have a manager who offers you the self-confidence to do that,' he states.

Earlier this year, Iwobi ended up being the first Premier League footballer to release a single with his debut tune 'Don't Shoot' and in November launched a follow-up 'What's Luv?' which is described as an event of his African roots with a mix of Afro-Swing blended with Rap".

It's also a tune that Silva's enjoying in the dressing space, with Fulham making their finest start to a top-flight season considering that 2003-04.

'I don't get it on in the dressing space however when you have team-mates like Calvin Bassey, he just can't help himself, Iwobi reveals.

'He is tapping the manager to listen to the tune. The first time he (Silva) heard 'What's Luv?' he was just vibing like, 'is this Alex?' and Calvin was like 'yes it's Alex!' He stated it wasn't bad. I understand the very first time he didn't comprehend what was stated however he took pleasure in the beat. So it's a win-win.

'Everyone vibes with it and I'm having great feedback from the team - even individuals who do not speak English as their first language like the Brazilians, they're vibing also,' adds Iwobi.

Silva's plan at Everton was to develop around the midfielder but he was sacked four months after signing Iwobi. Then Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position while Rafa Benitez hardly played him at all.

Iwobi would take a trip across the M62 to Manchester and play seven-a-side with his mates in disguise to enjoy his football once again. Now that pleasure has been uncovered after his ₤ 22M move in 2015.

'Everyone's state of mind is one for all and all for one so that's definitely assisting us this season. We have actually been having group meals and bonding which's brought a great deal of togetherness, states Iwobi.

Marco Silva initially signed the Nigerian at Everton then brought him to Fulham later in 2023

Iwobi will have his work cut out as Fulham take on league leaders Liverpool at Anfield

'Even when Sander (Berge) and Joa (Andersen) signed, they took us out to consume. We organised a journey to Paris to clear our heads (after the Wolves loss), came back then went once again with the Tottenham and Brighton results. We seem like we're all set to fly and we can do anything together.'

Another group meal is organised for midweek ahead of a run of three games in 7 days over Christmas. 'The gaffer wishes to take us out. That's another little bit of totally free food so I'm not complaining,' jokes Iwobi. 'It's actually good. It resembles one big family.'

But initially, Fulham will head to Anfield with belief, having actually taken points from Arsenal last week and directly losing at Man City in October in a video game where Pep Guardiola was full of credit for Fulham.

'It reveals we have the capability to take on anybody. We are not scared. Hopefully it will be the same versus Liverpool. We are going there to get an outcome,' Iwobi insists.

Get something at Anfield and Arne Slot's league-leaders may well be hearing 'What's Luv' blasting out from the away dressing space.

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