Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed that Alex Iwobi is not suited to being a winger, and could be set to take up a more central role in the future.
The Nigeria international has enjoyed his breakthrough into the first-team in 2016, becoming a regular on the Gunners wing over the past six months, leaving Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott on the sidelines.
Wenger has now talked about his future within the club, and has claimed that he needs to be more clinical in front of goal, and has all the attributes to make the switch to play in behind the striker.
He said: “You see, he is not a typical winger and I think he can play in that [No 10] role.
“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.”
Iwobi has started the season with three assists in the league, the joint-most for the club alongside Alexis Sanchez, but has yet to bag himself a goal for Arsenal this term. He has opened his tally up for Nigeria in the World Cup qualifying campaign however.
The switch to a central role will not come too soon hopefully however, with Mesut Ozil showing last year just how important he can be for us in the same role. His contract currently runs out in 2017, but everyone at the club is hopeful that will be extended.
Does Iwobi look like the perfect fit to follow on from the German pass-master?
Pat J
Yes, CAM! That’s what I’ve thought of him too.
Southampton at home in the EFL quarters..not a bad draw..think we have a genuine chance to win the EFL..that too mostly with our reserves.
Southampton will put a strong squad for EFL, so will other non CL or UEFA teams. Especially ones that have been knocked out of FA CUP or no chances of finish top 8 of EPL. I still think Wenger should try to win the trophy. a trophy is a trophy, will boost our morale mid way throughthe season
S’hampton are in Uefa cup so they may not put strong team out.
Iwobi physical ability allows him to be versatile in so many positions, but his lack of defending means he suits more as a striker or AMC, because modern wingers require balance of attack and defense.
I think he can emulate Yaya Toure one day
wenger has been doing it for years playing central midfielders on the wings first(carzola,ozil….)he says it improves their technique!!