Arsene Wenger believes Alex Iwobi has the potential to succeed in the no.10 role at Arsenal.
The Nigerian has mostly been used in a left-wing position since emerging from the Gunners’ academy last season.
The 20-year-old flourished during his debut campaign and he’s taken those performances into this season, making 11 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side already this term
Wenger is delighted with Iwobi’s development and he believes the youngster could transfer his qualities into the attacking midfield position.
“You see, he is not a typical winger and I think he can play in that [number 10] role,’ said Wenger.
“He turns the game forward, he passes the ball through the lines very well. He has a final ball in him. He is now a little bit, I think he has it all in the locker to pass and give the final ball.
“What you want from him now is the finishing, you know. That’s still a little part that is missing in his game. I think he is too nervous at the moment when he has the possibility to finish.”
Last year, Iwobi was a distant thought. Promising, but not there yet. Joel Campbell was claiming the role with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain behind him and Theo Walcott was masquerading as a striker. And this was with Alexis suiting up out wide too.
It seemed literally impossible for Iwobi to scratch his way into the starting XI.
Suddenly, Iwobi leapfrogged everyone and was starting. And he started for nearly the entire second half of the season.
Going into the offseason, it looked even less likely that he would resume where he left off. Walcott wanted back out wide, Ox was looking fantastic, Campbell was inspired and Serge Gnabry was ready.
Again, Wenger intervened. Gnabry was sold off, Campbell was loaned and Alexis was moved up front. Suddenly, Iwobi was one of three potential wingers.
The Ox took the job initially but, with very little chance to his name, he was done away with and Iwobi was handed the job again.
It seems like the squad is being built to accommodate Iwobi. Alexis definitely works up front, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if an added benefit of moving him up front was simply that it allowed Wenger to start both Walcott and Iwobi, which had to be a decision he didn’t want to make.
Iwobi is definitely worthy of the spot and he is making the most of it, but it definitely seems like Wenger is catering to the young man.