The midweek friendly match between Arsenal and Brentford was significant in that it marked the return to action of several of the Gunners’ first-team players, including Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Debuchy and Abou Diaby.
One of the intriguing sub-plots of the game, though, was the performance of youngster Alex Iwobi, who scored twice and played very well in the 4-0 victory in front of the watching Arsene Wenger.
Wenger has long been aware of Iwobi’s talents, having twice named him on the bench for first-team fixtures- against West Bromwich Albion in the Capital One Cup last season and for the Champions League trip to Galatasaray this campaign.
Iwobi remained un-used on both occasions but, given the high level of his performances this season, it is something of a surety that he will be provided with an opportunity to impress on a bigger stage next term, whether that is at Arsenal or out on loan at another club.
Although he is capable of operating as a central-striker, as he demonstrated with two adroit finishes against Brentford, Iwobi is most at home when deployed on the right flank, a position he tends to operate in for the club’s U21 side.
Fast and skilful (the latter quality should come as little surprise given that he is the nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha), Iwobi has become more clinical in front of goal this campaign, as evidenced by strikes against Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United for the U21s.
He has also trained frequently with the first-team squad as he waits for his opportunity to impress and he could be involved in the Capital One Cup next season.
There is much to look forward to for Iwobi on the international front, too. Previously capped by England at youth level, he recently travelled to Nigeria for a training camp and now looks set to represent the Super Eagles.
Making the grade at Arsenal will be a monumental task for Iwobi, given the competition for places in Wenger’s squad, but, even if he doesn’t quite cut it at Emirates Stadium, he does at least seem set for a prolonged career at a relatively high level.
Having progressed well this season, Iwobi will be hopeful that during 2015/16 he will be able to enhance his burgeoning reputation even further. If he continues his current rate of progression, you wouldn’t bet against him achieving that aim.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
So, basically if he keeps improving, he might be fighting for the first team spot at right wing along with Gnabry within one or two years.. assuming Ox ends up at middle and Feo’s goes elsewhere… Fine with me.
So, basically if he keeps improving, he might be fighting for the first team spot at right wing along with Gnabry within one or two years.. assuming Ox ends up at middle and Feo goes elsewhere… Fine with me.
Iwobi, the new Afobe.
Jay Jay Okocha gave us all kinds of problems back in the day so hopefully Iwobi Wan Kenobi gives us A New Hope. For revenge.
Of the sith.
(appropriate theme music)
Strong talent I sense in this one!!
Should his progress continue, it will likely mean the end of Joel Campbell’s time at The Arsenal.
What about Bielik?
And Crowley?
In a couple years time we’ll have so much depth on the right, we’ll resemble that crab with an enormously enlarged claw on one side.
Metaphorically.
Or is it a metaphor?
Maybe it’s a simile.
Or is my mind just wondering out there and getting lost as usual?
Have a thumbs up for the best name I’ve seen all week 🙂
3 things needed as an attacker clinical in front of goal, skill to beat your man with ease and the speed to get pass defenders leaving them miles behind you. if you didn’t have the first one the rest is useless.
Hey Jeorge, cheers for the great work, as always.
I would find it very useful if in your articles you could provide a brief player profile summing up his age, how long he’d been with the club, previous club, position(!), games played this year, how long his contract runs etc.