Alex Iwobi has claimed he learned a lot after he was dropped last season.

The Nigerian international had enjoyed a spell in the Arsenal first team last season, but found himself abruptly dropped when Arsene Wenger decided to change formation.

Playing three at the back with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil playing behind the striker, there was no room for Iwobi in the team.

It was an experience he claims to have learned from.

“It was hard but something I had to learn from,” he told The Evening Standard.

“If you are not performing consistently at a club like Arsenal, then there are other players ready to take the opportunity — which I learned the tough way. 

“I wasn’t involved as much as I wanted to be but I just had to be patient, still have the same attitude, work hard in training and wait for my chance again. That’s what I’ve been doing.

“Obviously, I am an attacking player, so when you are an attacking player, you need to create goals and get goals — and that’s the main thing for me. People in my position were doing better than me in that aspect of the game, which is to eventually win games, and that’s something I had to work on.

“I never played it [three at the back] as a youngster growing up. I have played several ­positions in it — left wing-back, left off the forward, central midfield. Whatever role I get told to play, I just have to adapt to it and play. I don’t really blame the system, I more blame myself.”

Iwobi did have an encouraging pre-season, where he looked eager to show Arsene Wenger that he should be in the starting line-up. Goals against Bayern Munich and Benfica would have helped his cause.

He didn’t start the games against Leicester, Stoke, Liverpool or Bournemouth, but found himself starting against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It shows that the manager is prepared to throw him in at a moment’s notice if he feels he’s needed.

Iwobi was due to start for Arsenal in their recent Europa League fixture against BATE Borisov, but was sidelined with a thigh problem.

With Arsenal juggling three competitions during this early part of the season, the opportunities will come for Iwobi.

He just needs to stay fit and take them.