Alex Iwobi has been far from shy in regards to his praise for senior team-mates, and how training alongside quality players relates to improved performances from him on a personal level.

Alex had an unexpected but welcome breakthrough season in the first-team last term, and continues to go from strength-to-strength as he asserts his credentials in the senior side on a regular basis.

He showed flashes of individual brilliance in our nervy 3-2 win over Swansea on Saturday and it’s evident to see he is benefiting from advice from players like Mesut Özil.

As quoted by the club’s official website, Iwobi said, “Mesut just tells me that I’m young and need to express myself on the pitch. Obviously I need to listen to other people’s advice as well, but he tells me to always play with a smile on my face and enjoy the game.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Neil Taylor of Swansea City goes past Alex Iwobi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Neil Taylor of Swansea City goes past Alex Iwobi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

In an article published by FourFourTwo earlier this week, Özil was quoted as likening Iwobi to “a mixture” of his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha and former Netherlands midfielder Edgar Davids.

When questioned, Iwobi revealed he was surprised by Mesut’s public comments, as he “never really says that much” to him.

“He just gives me advice and help, but it’s such a confidence boost for such a great player to say that about me. I’m never really happy or satisfied with my performances.

“I always want to improve and I think that’s probably got me to where I am.”