Impressive Iwobi more than capable of realising potential

When a young player breaks onto the scene, the watching masses often demand to see more. However, it’s vital they are managed properly or they run the risk of their careers being prematurely cut short. Michael Owen was run into the ground during his teenage years having starred for Liverpool at a young age, yet injuries forced him into retirement at just 33 years of age. It’s a similar predicament for Wayne Rooney, whose career is starting to wind down after he broke onto the scene in 2002. 

At 30 years old, the Manchester United captain should be at the peak of his powers, but many are now calling for him to be dropped from the starting XI entirely following a less than impressive start to the season. The pair a cautionary tales as to how overplaying a young player can affect their performances further down the line. Nevertheless, it’s difficult for Arsenal fans not to get over excited about young Alex Iwobi. 

The Nigerian, who is the nephew of footballing icon Jay-Jay Okocha, broke onto the scene for Arsenal last season and impressed having starred for the youth team prior to his Premier League bow. “I’m so proud of him. He’s been great,” Arsenal hero Nwankwo Kanu said of young compatriot earlier this month, while supporters have enthused over Iwobi in recent times, with the youngster starring when handed a starting berth. 

His eight starts returned a respectable WhoScored rating of 7.26, while 2.3 successful dribbles per 90 was the fourth best of all Arsenal players to make five or more Premier League appearances last season. Meanwhile, three key passes per 90 is the joint-best return of all Gunners performers in England’s top tier this term, reinforcing his statistically calculated WhoScored strength of ‘key passes’. Iwobi’s creative talents were on show in Arsenal’s 4-1 win at Hull, with the attacker providing the assist for goals for Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott. 

The latter showcased Iwobi’s quick feet and even quicker thinking, knowing full well that Walcott would make the run in beyond the Hull defence for his English teammate to dink over Eldin Jakupovic. Having provided the killer ball for Walcott’s goal in the opening weekend 4-3 defeat to Liverpool, Iwobi has provided three league assists this season; only Franck Ribery (4) has registered more in Europe’s top five leagues this term. 

It’s a notable return from a player who has registered just 152 minutes of Premier League action this season and highlights his mental fortitude in that he is not overawed by the occasion. Arsene Wenger clearly has ample trust in Iwobi having started him in arguably Arsenal’s biggest game of the season so far; the 1-1 Champions League draw with PSG, not to mention the meeting with Barcelona at Camp Nou last term. While the Nigeria international was restricted in his ability to routinely run with the ball at the Parc des Princes and create for teammates, he still mustered three shots on goal, two of which forced Alphonse Areola into action. 

Moreover, he carried out his necessary defensive duties to ensure Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal wasn’t overrun, with the wideman making two tackles over the 90 minutes. Of course, at 20 years of age, there is still plenty more to come from Iwobi, though he appears to have struck up an instant rapport with his teammates. Indeed, his partnership with Walcott is helping the England international rediscover his best form, with Iwobi to Walcott the second most profitable assist to goalscorer return in the Premier League this season, which is all the more impressive when taking into consideration the pair have started only two top-flight league games together. 

While Walcott and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain have failed to live up to their potential in recent years, Iwobi feels very much like the real deal for Arsenal and it’s for this reason why his development must be managed appropriately. There is no point in throwing him into the mix and having him play 90 minutes week in week out, no matter the temptation. “What I like is his love for the game, his passion for the game and his hard work,” Wenger said of the rising star over the weekend. 

The Gunners boss is a fan of Iwobi, but was quick to keep him grounded, adding: “One game does not make a career.” Nonetheless, supporters are understandably excited at Iwobi’s rise to prominence having featured heavily for the youth team and now emerging as a regular for the senior side. If Wenger manages his career properly, and the player himself can be consistent in the final third, Iwobi has the mental and physical strengths to forge a hugely successful career.

Can Alex Iwobi continue his fine development and become a key man for Arsenal? Let us know in the comments below