Last season after scoring against Brighton there was talk that Iwobi should replace Ozil. Now those same people are saying he should be starting on the right of midfield instead of Ramsey based on a couple of decent performances.
Some Gooners suggested Arsene Wenger was scared to drop his star player, while Emery is now being accused of trying to indulge the Welshmen in a bid to get him to sign a new contract. In reality could it simply be that Iwobi is not good enough? This is now the Nigerian’s 4th year since being promoted from our academy. At no point has he shown the consistency to suggest he belongs at this level.
In fact looking at his statistics it is insulting to what Ramsey has done for us that there should be a debate based on a MOTM cameo against a Ukranian club. Last Thursday was the exception to the rule, with him not showing the mentality in those type of cup games to take the game by the scruff of the neck. While an argument should be made that Rambo does not belong on the wing or that he should return to a CM, that doesn’t mean you drop him for a weaker option.
With no guarantees he will be a gunner next year, it’s obvious why Ramsey might not have the support he once did.
The board will not be negotiating a bigger salary for a man who is not first choice in his favoured role. But that does not mean Iwobi is the answer. His job is to score or assist goals. His record in those areas is poor, with it too easy for his confidence to evaporate. We were told for years he played better for his country yet he choked at the World Cup, dropped after one game when the pressure got to him. Ramsey meanwhile can point to being a match winner in 2 out of the 3 FA Cups he has won. It’s hard to envisage Iwobi ever having that kind of moment at Wembley.
While we are one of the worst in extending contracts, there’s a reason why getting Iwobi’s signature didn’t create a saga. He must have been very grateful that those in power still see him as an asset for our future. That’s what is worrying ….
It’a hard enough to get Stan Kroenke to put his hand in his pocket. I demand the American spend millions to replace Ramsey when the time comes. Us trying to convince ourselves we already have a suitable standby just gives him another excuse to save money. Iwobi will start in the League Cup in midweek. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to demand he be one of our best players against Championship opposition. If he’s surrounded by youth, he should take responsibility. He should be using the tie as an opportunity to get noticed. If Brentford take the lead, his head shouldn’t go down.
If he can’t do that, then don’t tell me he should be ahead of Ramsey.
Dan Smith