Alex Iwobi has emerged on the first-team scene this year and is currently enjoying his football, competing against the top sides and keeping a composed head on very talented shoulders.

Arsène Wenger gave the 20-year-old winger his senior debut last season, and the Nigerian international hasn’t looked back since. Having started against the likes of Barcelona and Paris-Saint Germain in recent months, as well as a few top sides amongst our Premier League rivals, Wenger was asked what made him think that Alex would flourish in our ever-improving side.

As quoted by the club’s official website, Wenger said that he knew after a few training sessions with the senior squad.

As a winger who is versatile and can play in a more central midfield, or even advanced role, Wenger said that Iwobi isn’t “the kind of player who impresses you at first”, but after looking a bit deeper, it’s clear that he is “quick at connecting with other players.”

“Football is perception, decision-making and acting. The perception especially struck me. The perception he has of the game and the speed of his decision-making struck me.”

Iwobi, who was once again impressive in our 3-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday, is someone that continues to improve his game, and it’s obvious that he’s able to “always connect with others at a very high level and a very high pace.”

Wenger knows that he’s not the finished product yet, and has said there’s still “a lot of work to do” before he reaches the top, but the boss identified Iwobi’s commodities which are important for success at the top level: speed and an understanding of the game.

Iwobi was a constant livewire in the final third against Chelsea, he continues to stake his claim as more than just a squad player this term. | Photo: Paul Gilham / Getty Images
Iwobi was a constant livewire in the final third against Chelsea, he continues to stake his claim as more than just a squad player this term. | Photo: Paul Gilham / Getty Images