Alex Iwobi has been criticised by the Nigeria national team manger for trying to be too individual and do too much on his own but was also praised after coming in for attacks from Nigeria fans.

The Arsenal youngster came under fire for ‘showmanship’ which reportedly ‘slowed down  Nigeria’s attack after dropping into a midfield role in the second half.’

Fans apparently criticised the player for ‘being too individualistic almost like his uncle and former Nigerian Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha in his early days in the senior national team.’

Speaking to the media after 2-0 defeat by Serbia during the international break, Gernot Rohr, said, “With us all the time he’s very good, already in Poland (where Nigeria won 1-0) and he was fantastic

“Perhaps sometimes (he did) a little too much individually, he wanted to make a show. We prefer collective football.

“But when he can eliminate his opponent it’s very good (for us). He’s with us all the time in confidence. He’s free when he has the ball.

“I don’t know what the tactical options of Arsene Wenger are when he’s with Arsenal but with us he’s free offensively and he can show all his qualities.”

Iwobi has been under par for Arsenal for some time now and that sort of form can result in a player trying to force his game, making things worse.

Three assists and two goals in 19 Premier League games is a poor return for an offensive player but it is easy to forget how young Iwobi is and how much talent he clearly has.

Iwobi only turns 22 in May. He already has 89 first team appearances for Arsenal, more than twice the number he managed for the u23s.