Gernot Rohr is impressed with Alex Iwobi’s performances playing in the centre of the park after the Arsenal man moved there over the weekend.
Rohr made the decision to move Iwobi from left-wing into central midfield for the match against Libya on Saturday. The Arsenal 22-year-old provided an assist for Odion Ighalo and impressed supporters as Nigeria ran out 4-0 winners. Afterwards, Rohr gave his thoughts on the showing.
“Iwobi in this central (midfield) position is interesting,” the Eagles coach admitted. “He can deliver decisive passes and he can also score goals.”
Arsenal face a similar dilemma when it comes to Iwobi. His skill set is almost equally suited to playing out on the left or in the middle.
The academy graduate’s ability to take players on helps him out wide, but his ball retention and chance creation skills work well in the middle. His energy and ability to press make him a good candidate in either position.
With Ramsey struggling a bit in the number 10 role, and Aubameyang’s form out wide causing similar problems, Iwobi could take either player’s place. Unai Emery just needs to work out which one works best.
Then again, if the Arsenal head coach sticks with the 4-2-2-2 system used against Fulham, things are much more simple. Xhaka and Torreira will play in the sitting midfield pairing, and Iwobi would play on the left. There wouldn’t be a central role available to the Nigerian international in that formation.
Either way, it’s good to have a player that gives you various options in the squad.