Alex Iwobi has vowed to not just live up to comparisons with his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha but to be better than the Nigerian legend.
The 19-year-old is among the most-highly rated youngsters in the Arsenal youth setup and has already made his debut in the senior Nigeria side.
His uncle who is widely regarded as the best Nigerian player of his generation is fondly remembered for his pace on the ball, technique, creativity and dribbling skills.
Just like Okocha, Iwobi is an attacking midfielder capable of playing anywhere behind the central striker.
However the youngster is keen to do even better than the seven-time Nigerian footballer of the year.
“I grew up in a footballing environment,” Iwobi told Arsenal official website. “My dad, my uncle and my whole family loves football. I played with a local team with Chuba Akpom so I grew up with a footballing life.
“I see it helps me [to be related to Jay-Jay Okocha] and it gives me guidance, [it shows] what I need to work on and what I need advice on so it has helped me over the years. I don’t see it as pressure [to be related to him] but he is someone I look up to as motivation as I try to be better than him.
“I had a few doubts when I was younger, especially when I was 13 to 14 years old. I was questioning whether I was good enough at that age as I… had to work on a few things. I didn’t let it get to me but I stayed focused and try to prove to them why I should get another contract.”
