Iwobi to start against Everton, gets Wenger’s praises

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, is ready to give Super Eagles youngster, Alex Iwobi, another starting role this weekend.

Having never started a Premier League or Champions League game, the 19-year-old stepped out onto the Camp Nou pitch on Wednesday to play against the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta and wasn’t overwhelmed by the occasion.

As far as Wenger is concerned, he is clearly excited and tempted to play Iwobi again when Arsenal visit Everton on Saturday.

“I personally rate him,” the boss said in his press conference. “To throw him in a game like I did on Wednesday night means I have great belief in his qualities.”

Read also: Iwobi: Playing against Messi unbelievable

“I think he is a creative player, an intelligent player,” Wenger added. “He has a strong team attitude and good humility. At 19 years of age, it’s a very important quality and I think he can go very far.”

After Wednesday’s performance it’s hard to disagree with that. However, there is the nagging doubt that Wenger won’t want to push a young player too far too soon.

“I’m a little bit cautious because I don’t want to make stars of players who have played two games.”

Patience is vital with such a young player and Arsenal fans have to understand he won’t always perform well, he won’t always be selected, he won’t always deliver. What we can count on Iwobi for is sensible unselfish play. Still a teenager, that alone is something to get excited about.

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