Alex Iwobi targets Kolo Toure’s Premier League appearance record after overtaking Mohamed Salah

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has set his sights on surpassing Kolo Toure’s Premier League appearance record after moving ahead of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah in the competition’s all-time appearances ranking.

The Nigerian international reached 329 Premier League appearances during Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, taking him one ahead of Salah and marking another significant milestone in his career.

However, the 30-year-old is not content with his latest achievement and is already targeting a higher position on the list, with former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender Toure among the players he hopes to overtake.

Iwobi, who has represented Arsenal, Everton and Fulham in England’s top flight, believes there is little value in dwelling too long on past achievements when there are more milestones to pursue.

“Yeah, of course. I mean, it’s hard for me to just cherish the memories that I’ve made in the past. I like to keep on looking ahead,” Iwobi told Fulham media.

“So, it’s a nice little stat to have. But I’m trying to break the record. I think Kolo Toure is up there. So, I keep my eyes going forward and see if I can break that.”

The former Arsenal midfielder joined Fulham in September 2023 after spending four seasons at Everton, having initially made his Premier League breakthrough at the Emirates Stadium between 2015 and 2019.

His consistency and versatility have since made him an important figure at Craven Cottage, with his latest appearance milestone highlighting his longevity in English football.

Iwobi frustrated by missed chances against Aston Villa

Despite celebrating a personal landmark, Iwobi was left with mixed feelings following Fulham’s draw against Aston Villa, believing his side could have taken all three points after an encouraging second-half performance.

The Cottagers initially would have been satisfied with a point away from home but felt their improved display after the break deserved a greater reward.

“We are happy, of course, because it was difficult. At the start of the game, we would have taken a point but considering how the second half went and how we feel our performance was going; we thought that maybe we deserved three points,” he explained.

“But if you could give us a point at the start of the game, we would have taken it, but we’re kind of disappointed not to take all three.”

Iwobi also admitted that he was disappointed with his own contribution in front of goal, acknowledging that he missed an opportunity to get on the scoresheet.

“I mean, we created so many chances. Even me, I should have scored as well,” he added.

The Nigerian midfielder believes Fulham’s work on their finishing during training will eventually translate into more goals and better results.

“But yeah, it is something we were working on in training, we’re always doing finishing, so hopefully that luck will come and we’ll start scoring more goals.”

Iwobi explains Fulham’s controversial equaliser

The 30-year-old also reflected on Fulham’s equalising goal, revealing that he initially feared it would be ruled out after an incident involving the Aston Villa goalkeeper.

Iwobi, who had a clear view of the situation from his position near the corner, was convinced the ball had crossed the line but became concerned when Shea Charles suggested there had been contact with the goalkeeper.

“From my angle, because obviously I was the one out of the corner, I could see it’s gone over the line. But then Shea (Charles) said he’s grabbed the keeper, so I was like, oh no,” he recalled.

“Because you know sometimes our luck hasn’t been going for us and they’ll probably say it’s a free kick or something, but the luck was on our side and it was a goal.”

Fulham’s point extended their unbeaten Premier League run to three matches, and Iwobi believes their recent performances indicate that the team’s hard work is beginning to produce results.

“If you keep on working hard, luck will eventually go your way,” he added.

“We feel like recently this season we’ve been performing really well in most of our games. So, it’s only a matter of time until the reward comes our way. So yeah, we just have to keep this momentum going.”

Iwobi backs Bassey for bigger things

Iwobi also praised compatriot Calvin Bassey following the defender’s impressive performance against Aston Villa, which earned him the Premier League Man of the Match award.

The Fulham midfielder highlighted Bassey’s consistency and leadership, expressing confidence that the centre-back still has significant room for improvement despite already establishing himself as an important figure for club and country.

“He’s a loud character on and off the pitch. And we’re enjoying him. We’re enjoying him. His performances have been really good this season. Solid centre-back,” Iwobi said.

“But we’ve always seen the talent and we’re happy that he’s doing it consistently for not just the club, but for the country as well.

“I’m proud to have him in the Nigerian national team. But he’s still young for a centre-back. He’s very young. He’s got a lot more years to come.

“And yeah, if he keeps it going, you never know where he can be. So, I’m just proud of him and hope he keeps it going.”

Fulham sit 15th in the Premier League standings with nine points from nine matches following the draw and will look to extend their unbeaten run when they welcome Newcastle United on November 7.