Alex Iwobi
Joe Mewis of Mirror writes on the strength and weakness of Arsenal’s Nigerian starlet….
BACKGROUND
Iwobi was born in Lagos and has recently been the subject of an international tug-of-war between England and Nigeria. He has now committed to Nigeria after gaining caps for England’s Under-16, 17and 18 teams. Gunners’ fans were given a glimpse ofIwobi’s obvious talents during pre-season, when he was a surprise inclusion in Arsene Wenger’s touring squad to Singapore,
before he netted against Lyon in the Emirate’s Cup in August.STRENGTHSIwobi is extremely versatile, having played in every position from full-back to centre forward as he’s worked his way through the ranks at Hale End. Once his academy coaches figured out the best ways to utilise his talents, Iwobi has now settled in an attacking position where his pace, movement and eye for goal can be utilised. He responded with eight goals in 35 appearances last season for the Gunners’Under-18 and under 19 sides in the 2013-14 season before making the step up to Steve Gatting’s Under-21 side, where he was regularly captaining the side by the end of last season.Skilful Iwobi can also boast of quick feet and an efficiency in possession that makes him tailor-made to fit in Wenger’s system, should his recent progression continue on an upward trajectory.WEAKNESSESTop of Iwobi’s to do list will be to improve his strike-rate. Perhaps it is due to the fact that he took a while to settle on a position as he rose through the ranks atLondon Hale, but if he can consistently add goals to his creativity and clever movement, then he will reallybe able to stake a claim for regular first-team action.WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT HIM?“I like his team attitude, his movement,” said Arsene Wenger following the 19-year-old’s goal scoring appearance against Lyon in August’s Emirate’s Cup.“We have a game based on movement and speed, and he integrates that very well. He has good power and is usually efficient he scores goals a lot.”WHAT’S HE GOT TO SAY HIMSELF?Iwobi was understandably very happy to put pen to paper and sign his new deal at the Emirates, saying he felt his hard work had been rewarded.“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract, especially with a club like Arsenal who are so big,” hetold the club’s official website. “I’m happy to sign for them.“I like to think I have earned it. I have gone through a lot with Arsenal so to have a new and improved contract is very good and I’m happy to have earned it.“I have had ups and downs. As I was growing up I had a lot of downs but as I get older things just keep getting better and better.“The ultimate goal is to break into the first team and play as many games as I can.”
ALL CREDIT : THE NATION
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