“He can play on the left, he can play on the right, he can play behind the striker, even number nine.” It may sound like a fan chant, bu...
“He can play on the left, he can play on the right, he can play behind the striker, even number nine.”
It may sound like a fan chant, but the above is the simple
explanation from Arsene Wenger when asked of the future of Alex Iwobi in
February. The well-trodden path of the loaned-out youngster was sure to beckon
for the 19-year-old. Jack Wilshere flourished after a spell with Bolton.
Time
at Watford in 2014 benefited Hector Bellerin. Francis Coquelin, Joel Campbell
and Aaron Ramsey have all become key members of the first-team squad after
experience out on loan. It has become a rite of passage for youngsters at the
Emirates Stadium. Iwobi was simply the next in line.
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| Aaron Ramsey and Hector Bellerin who are now key members for Arsenal benefited from loan spells |
But Wenger refused. “I have a hesitation about loaning him
out,” said the Frenchman a month and a half ago. “It’s because I think this guy
could very quickly play.” When Wenger gets it wrong, he gets it very wrong. But
when he gets it right…
The decision not to loan out Iwobi spoke volumes. Wenger’s
reputation for developing young talent is undoubted, and the Frenchman
regularly uses the loan market to hand experience to those who are not quite
ready. “There is a gap here between playing in the reserves and our first
team,” Wenger once said in 2008. “So I try to loan them to another club, to get
them ready.”
They say actions speak louder than words. Wenger was
practically shouting when offering his backing to Iwobi by keeping hold of him;
he would have needed a number of megaphones to send a more emphatic message of
support than starting the forward against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the
Champions League last month. Iwobi’s sudden rise to prominence continued with
another goal and another start in the victory over Watford.
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| Iwobi celebrates with Bellerin after his man of the match performance against Watford |
After 76 minutes, Iwobi departed the field to a rousing
applause from a delighted Arsenal home support. It was the kind of reaction his
replacement Theo Walcott yearns for. The England international rounded off the
scoring at the Emirates Stadium, but he would be forgiven for suffering a bout of
jealousy having watched Nigerian’s performance. He must also fear for his squad
place.
Before Iwobi, Walcott was one of the last youngsters Wenger
opted not to loan out. The forward was 16 when he signed from Southampton in
2006. But Wenger did not sound out a Championship side for a loan move. Instead,
he gradually introduced Walcott into the Arsenal first team. While the loan
market is Wenger’s tried and trusted method, special dispensation will be
afforded to special players. Walcott was one. Iwobi is one.
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| Iwobi's sudden emergence will mean Walcott will have to settle for the bench role |
The English man was synonymous with the word ‘prospect’ in
his teenage years. His raw talent and electric pace made for an incredibly
exciting talent. But the potential has never been fulfilled. Walcott wants to
play as a striker, yet has never provided a sustained run of form to support
his wishes. As a winger he is ineffective.
In Arsene’s words, Iwobi “can play
on the left, he can play on the right, he can play behind the striker, even
number nine”. The 19-year-old is already a more-rounded player than the
27-year-old, and only one of them will progress.
 |
| Arsene must be proud of his latest academy product |
The most impressive traits among the Super Eagles youngster’s
burgeoning arsenal are his adaptability and versatility. It is not that the
Nigerian can play in a number of different positions; it is that he can excel
in them.
He facilitates and suits Arsenal’s style; Walcott so often impinges upon and restricts it. Iwobi is a team player; Walcott is an individual. The elder has been Wenger’s favorite for so long, but the former has all the potential to usurp him. And potential is a far more attractive characteristic in a 19-year-old player than it is a 26-year-old one.
He facilitates and suits Arsenal’s style; Walcott so often impinges upon and restricts it. Iwobi is a team player; Walcott is an individual. The elder has been Wenger’s favorite for so long, but the former has all the potential to usurp him. And potential is a far more attractive characteristic in a 19-year-old player than it is a 26-year-old one.
Against Barcelona, Iwobi impressed. Against Everton, Iwobi
impressed. Against Watford, Iwobi impressed even more. Three consecutive
starts, two back-to-back goals. Iwobi has now scored as many goals in two Premier
League starts as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – another whose potential persuaded
Wenger not to loan out – has in his last 30. The Nigerian has already surpassed
one former Southampton prospect; he has every chance of unseating Walcott as
well.
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