Arsene Wenger hailed Alex Iwobi’s performance against Reading in which the forward played in the no.10 position but admitted that the 20-year-old needs to work on his finishing.

Iwobi is usually played on the left wing; his energy and eye for a pass means he’s racked up three assists in all competitions so this season – more than Mesut Ozil. It’s potentially this creativity that led the boss to move him into the centre for Arsenal’s EFL Cup match against Reading on Tuesday night.

The Nigeria international was decent there as he’s no stranger to the role, putting in some key passes and looking lively for most of the match. However, his finishing wasn’t all there and this isn’t a new development. Despite featuring 11 times so far this season, he’s yet to find the back of the net.

“You see, he is not a typical winger and I think he can play in that role,” Wenger revealed following the 2-0 win.

“He turns the game forward, he passes the ball through the lines very well. He has a final ball in him. He is now a little bit, I think he has it all in the locker to pass and give the final ball. What you want from him now is the finishing, you know. That’s still a little part that is missing in his game. I think he is too nervous at the moment when he has the possibility to finish.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal (C) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Alex Iwobi of Arsenal (CL) during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Reading at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal (C) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Alex Iwobi of Arsenal (CL) during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Reading at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Iwobi is obviously young and the boss knows this. With time – and confidence – I’m sure he’ll hit his stride in front of goal and until then, he’s still one hell of a player.