Who Is Alex Iwobi ?

Full name: Alex Iwobi

Date of birth: 3 May1996 (age 20)

Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria

Height: 1.80 m(5 ft 11 inches)

Playing position: Winger, striker

Nationality: Nigeria

Background

 

Iwobi was born in Lagos and has recently been the subject of an international tug-of-war between England and Nigeria. He has now committed to Nigeria after gaining caps for England's Under-16, 17 and 18 teams.

He is the nephew of ex-professional footballer Jay-Jay Okocha.

Iwobi joined Arsenal while still at primary school,  and was first involved in a first-team match as an unused substitute in a League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion on 25 September 2013. He signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in October 2015.

Gunners fans were given a glimpse of Iwobi's obvious talents during pre-season, when he was a surprise inclusion in Arsene Wenger's touring squad to Singapore, before he netted against Lyon in the Emirate's Cup in August.

His Emergence at Arsenal shows the production line at Hale End has continued to churn out first-team players, with Hector Bellerin last year emerging as a first-team regular.

Strengths

Iwobi is extremely versatile, having played in every position from full-back to centre forward as he's worked his way through the ranks at Hale End.

Once his academy coaches figured out the best ways to utilise his talents, Iwobi has now settled in an attacking position where his pace, movement and eye for goal can be utilised.

2015–16 season

On 27 October 2015, Iwobi made his first-team debut for the club, starting in a 3–0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Round of 16 of the League Cup. He made his Premier League debut four days later in a 3–0 win against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, as a stoppage time substitute for Mesut Özil. Iwobi made his Champions League debut as an 85th minute substitute in a 5–1 defeat against Bayern Munich. Iwobi started in the first team for the 2015–16 FA Cup 3rd and 4th round home wins against Sunderland and Burnley respectively.

After getting a first Champions League start in a 3–1 away defeat to Barcelona, Iwobi went on to score two goals in his first two Premier League starts in wins against Everton, and Watford, respectively.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER

After playing youth football for England, Iwobi elected to play for Nigeria and made his senior debut on 8 October 2015, replacing Ahmed Musa in the 57th minute of a 2–0 friendly defeat to DR Congo in Visé, Belgium.