Premierleague.com tactics analyst Adrian Clarke looks at five teenagers who shone in their breakthrough campaign this term, concluding with Alex Iwobi, who has produced impressive displays since being given his chance in the Arsenal first-team.
Another highly promising Nigerian, Alex Iwobi, has helped breathe new life into Arsenal's season in recent weeks. Aged just 19, he’s added efficiency to the way Arsene Wenger’s side performs inside the opposition half.
What’s caught the eye most has been the teenager's habitual instinct to look forward as his first port of call. Adept at receiving passes on the half-turn, his initial thought is to seek out somebody who is ahead of him.
Acting as a smooth conduit between defence and attack, it is interesting to note (in the Table below) that the positive-thinking academy graduate gives the ball to forward players more often than those with whom he is competing for a first-team spot.
Adrian Clarke looks at the impact of a young forward who has boosted Arsenal's campaign
Alex Iwobi scored on his first start for the Gunners, as Arsenal defeated Everton
Premierleague.com tactics analyst Adrian Clarke looks at five teenagers who shone in their breakthrough campaign this term, concluding with Alex Iwobi, who has produced impressive displays since being given his chance in the Arsenal first-team.
Another highly promising Nigerian, Alex Iwobi, has helped breathe new life into Arsenal's season in recent weeks. Aged just 19, he’s added efficiency to the way Arsene Wenger’s side performs inside the opposition half.
What’s caught the eye most has been the teenager's habitual instinct to look forward as his first port of call. Adept at receiving passes on the half-turn, his initial thought is to seek out somebody who is ahead of him.
Acting as a smooth conduit between defence and attack, it is interesting to note (in the Table below) that the positive-thinking academy graduate gives the ball to forward players more often than those with whom he is competing for a first-team spot.
Initially a striker, Wenger has identified Iwobi's technique and football brain as ideal for an attacking-midfield role instead – and having seen him in both positions it is an assessment with which I concur.
He has played on the left of a three-man midfield, in behind the striker, and on the left wing this season, but he is at his best infield rather than hugging the touchline. Without the ball Iwobi is tactically aware, he finds pockets of space consistently well when asking for a pass and, in possession, his decision-making is sensible.
Happy to shift it on with a simple pass, attempt a defence-splitting ball, or travel with it on the counter, Arsenal have found a powerful young footballer with lovely balance.
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