Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger, has backed Super Eagles youngster, Alex Iwobi, to succeed in the No.10 role following a 2-0 victory over Reading in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Two goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were enough for the Gunners to continue their unbeaten streak in all competitions.
While much of the attention was on the likes of summer signing, Lucas Perez and young prospect, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Iwobi’s display was among the most noteworthy.
Rather than play out wide, as he has done in his seven Premier League appearances this term, the Nigeria international was used centrally.
Indeed, he acted as the creative hub of the side – usually a role taken by Mesut Ozil in the regular starting XI – with Oxlade-Chamberlain to his right and Jeff Reine-Adelaide to his left.
Wenger revealed that the 20-year-old has a good enough “final ball” to play as a No.10, but must improve his finishing – evident by his failure to score across all competitions this season.
“You see, he is not a typical winger and I think he can play in that role,” the Frenchman told the club’s website.
“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, who has the third most assists in the Premier League thus far, will most certainly return to the flanks on Saturday when the Gunners visit Sunderland.
