Alex Iwobi has revealed that he has been guided through the challenges of first-team football by two other Arsenal academy graduates since breaking through into the starting eleven over the last two years.
The Nigerian international was speaking to the club’s official website when he said that Arsenal midfielder’s Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin have helped him a lot since establishing himself in the senior side. He said that while Wilshere has been away on loan at Bournemouth, Coquelin has been the one to step in and keep his feet on the ground:
“[The biggest influence on me] would probably be Jack Wilshere, but he has not been around recently. He talks to me off the pitch because he has been through the same system as me, I just watch what he does – especially as I grew up as a No 10 and he’s a No 10.”
“Now I would say it is Francis Coquelin, he is always talking to me. After the Watford game he told me what I did well, and what I need to improve on. He’s definitely one who keeps me in check.”
In 30 appearances for the Gunners this season, Iwobi has scored four goals and provided six assists. He has now reached 50 appearances for the club in all competitions after starting against Watford in the Gunners’ last home game. He also scored in that landmark match but it wasn’t enough to prevent Arsenal slipping to a 2-1 defeat.