Francis Coquelin believes that 2017 can be Alex Iwobi’s big year.

The Frenchman recently sang the Nigeria international’s praises, hailing his quality and ability, although pointing out how he does need to add goals to his repertoire.

“Alex had his breakthrough season but this year he can confirm it even more,” he told Arsenal Player.

“I really like the way he plays. He’s got technique and quick passing. The only thing he needs to add now is goals and he will be a complete player, but he’s a player I really like. 2017 can be his year.”

I can only assume that this mini-interview was done before the Crystal Palace game when the forward scored a header, helping the team to a comfortable 2-0 win after Olivier Giroud’s earlier wondergoal.

Iwobi has mentioned his composure in front of goal before, as has Arsene Wenger, so it’s obviously a weakness the 20-year-old is actively working on.

He’s young though. Barely an adult. And he’s already scored three goals in all competitions this year, which isn’t a massive amount considering he’s a forward but it’s progress. Able to play centrally, he’s also shown how capable he is creating goals, if not scoring them, assisting three.

I agree with Coquelin: this could be Iwobi’s year. Let’s just hope he’s not like other young forwards at the club who we’ve been saying this about for a long, long time…