The breakthrough for Alex Iwobi at Arsenal came two years ago. Giving birth to a certain sense of optimism. A positive vibe that wasn’t only felt in north London but thousands of miles away in West Africa. Being the only player since Jack Wilshere to burst into the first team, he received a VIP-like kind of treatment from Arsene Wenger. Yet, it was nothing compared to the demigod status he received back home.
Such a colossal tag came with an equal burden. Iwobi had to deliver the goods anytime he’s called upon. And he did that quite remarkably in his first season. The 21-year-old displayed superb attacking artistry; wrecking havoc with his powerful link-up play, technical skill as well as dribbling. Yet one key ingredient was lacking in his game: finishing.
That’s not to say the Nigerian was completely useless in front of goal. He actually did hit the back of the net twice and laced a couple for his teammates. Quite a decent return for a rookie you’d agree. But Alex Iwobi never really seemed man enough to take games by the scruff of the neck. Just flashes of brilliance in few matches and that’s that.
But it will be rather harsh to have expected more from a teenager. So the pressure piled up ahead of his second season. Though he started greatly, snagging three assists in his first four matches, Iwobi went off the rails yet again. Perhaps Wenger’s switch to a back three was the contributing factor as the 21-year-old looked somewhat puzzled by the new system.
Around this same period, he had already garnered seven caps for the Super Eagles with nothing to show. For the first, a reported 40,000 spectators crammed into a 25,000 capacity stadium to catch a first-hand glimpse of the youngster in action for his country. However, they were left utterly disillusioned as their new poster boy failed to lift them against Egypt. Unfounded comparison with his legendary uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, has since ensued.
While there may be some striking resemblance in their playing style, Okocha started shoving his team’s burden much earlier. He scored his first goal for Nigeria on his second appearance, aged 19. That strike qualified the country for their first ever World Cup in 1994. Same at his club. He was the fulcrum of his team’s attack and provided that extra spice from set pieces.
Thankfully, there appears to be a noticeable upturn in Iwobi’s prospects of late, starting with the 0-0 draw at Chelsea when he stepped in for Mesut Ozil and performed manfully. He followed up that performance with a rare strike against Brighton. That’s a player beginning to take responsibility; starting to act like an adult. Even Wenger reckons the time is right for the Nigerian to make that big move to the next level.
“What you want from him is the final balls and goals as well. A player like him must score 10 goals and he must as well give between six and 10 assists. That’s what I want of him.”That little pep talk by the Frenchman obviously did wonders. Alex Iwobi returned to Nigeria a reformed man. Despite hitting the net the week before, the 21-year-old wasn’t even deemed good enough to start for his country against Zambia. But when he eventually got the nod, he stepped in and grabbed the winner, sending his country to the world cup.
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