Alex Iwobi was somewhat unknown to many Arsenal fans and football reporters alike until he managed to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s first team plans back in the 2015-2016 season. He was selected to begin his career in the first team in October of 2015 when he faced Sheffield Wednesday in the Round of 16 of the League Cup – a game which Arsenal ultimately comprehensively lost 3-0 and were knocked out of the competition. He went on to make his next two appearances for Arsenal as a substitute, coming on in the Premier League vs Swansea City just 4 days later in a Gunners’ 3-0 win and then he also came on for his Champions League debut in an unfortunate 5-1 thumping at the hands of German giants Bayern Munich. Iwobi then got the call to start for the Gunners in two home FA Cup ties against Sunderland and Burnley respectively, both of which they won. After getting his Champions League bow against Barca that season Iwobi then got the call to start in the Premier League for the first time as he faced Everton and Watford adding his first 2 goals in the process and really kick-starting his career as a Gunner.
Alex Iwobi has pretty much been an ever present for Arsenal since he broke into the first team and his performances are only improving as there is no sign of the so called “second season syndrome”. Iwobi has a fine attitude and is an excellent example to other young professionals as he takes nothing for granted and he has a superb work ethic. Speaking to Arsenal Player on Arsenal’s Official Site, Iwobi said:
“The same way I was able to break into it is the same way that I take the chance now.
“I play like it’s almost like my last game, I treat it like it’s my last moment here, so I do my best and I always put 100 per cent into whatever I do.
Iwobi understands the pressures that come with being a member of Arsenal’s first team, with a plethora of quality players all vying for a spot in the starting line-up.
“If you don’t do as well as you think you could’ve done, there’s other players, other international, great players, that can just step in,” he said. “So you just have to take the chance all the time and do your best when the time comes.
“The big thing is you need to stay fit and always need to give it your all. I mean, you’ve got to have the right attitude, you’ve got to be mentally prepared for whatever happens.
“Not everything is going to be smooth sailing for you so you’ve got to be prepared for all conditions.”
So Iwobi is blessed with immense talent but perhaps more importantly he is very humble and is dedicated to the game and expects to earn his opportunities based on his work ethic and talent alone and not pressure applied by his agent of family. He seems to have the respect of the club, his team-mates and most importantly his manager who clearly thinks very highly 0f the 20 year old forward. Hopefully Alex Iwobi continues to stay grounded and continues in his impressive rise towards the top of the game as his talent certainly means that he has every chance of reaching the highest echelons of the game.
After representing England at U16, U17 and U18 Iwobi elected to declare for Nigeria – his birthplace and he has been rewarded with his being selected for the first team. This has likely played a big part in his development up to now as he has faced some of the world’s best players with his country and has learned a great deal and come out with his reputation enhanced as a result of a number of high quality dominating performances – long may it continue.
Alex Iwobi is expected to the get the call to start for Arsenal vs arch-rivals Man United this weekend and the forward will be relishing the match and hoping to lead his side to a much needed win over the Red- Devils. Iwobi will want to move up from 4th spot to ahead of Arsenal’s fellow rival sides and will be looking to capitalise on the indifferent form United have been going through in recent weeks. We predict Iwobi scores while grabbing an assist as the Gunners win.