Arsenal’s Alexander Iwobi’s delightful performance for Nigeria against England in a more deep role has made him another person entirely getting tipped to be Eagles’ brightest star at the FIFA Mundial.
From the pass he played in the lead up to his own delightful rebound finish, he ran England ragged by dictating the pace of the Eagles’ game from the midfield.
Iwobi got a freedom that he does not get at Arsenal due to Mesut Ozil, he drifted around the pitch becoming Nigeria’s version of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil.
Alex Iwobi [Getty Images]
Without the liability to defend or trackback, he shone in the freedom putting in one of the best performances I have seen from him.
Moving forward to the World Cup, he will be given the same role for Nigeria. The freedom of being the creator. The main man.
Often short of confidence, playing like he is in awe of those around him at Arsenal, almost as if he does not believe he deserves to be in the red & white, he looked comfortable in the Green of the Eagles.
This World Cup could make him believe in himself, Beleive that he does belong, That he is good enough. It might lead to the end of his timid performances with the North London Club.
If (and it is a big if) he is one of the breakthrough players of the World Cup, dragging Nigeria through to the knock out stages, he will return to Islington a different player. A more confident player. A player that finally realizes how much talent he is.
It is easy to forget that he is still just 22. He is 4 months younger than Loftus-Cheek.
Whilst the media and fans are still talking about the on-loan Chelsea mans potential, they are writing off Alex Iwobi.
The same people saying that Loftus-Cheek should be given a chance next season to compete for a place in the Chelsea squad have now joined pundits and analysts including Brila FM’s Anthony Bekederemo saying that Alex Iwobi should not be anywhere near the Arsenal squad.
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