Arsenal legend Ian Wright claims Alex Iwobi would have thrived under Mikel Arteta and that the club made a mistake in selling the midfielder.
Failed to hit the heights
After coming through the rank at the club, Iwobi left Arsenal for Everton in 2019, for a fee rising to £35million.
The Nigeria international has struggled on Merseyside but he’s given a new lease of life under Frank Lampard this season, with the former Chelsea manager playing the midfielder in a more preferred central area.
Iwobi was largely inconsistent during his time at Arsenal and suffered criticism, especially after Arsene Wenger’s departure.
The Gunners have rebuilt under Arteta and their brand of football now is the closest it’s been to what fans had grown accustomed to under the Frenchman.
And Wright believes that Iwobi was a victim of the slump at Arsenal, with the Gunners legend saying he could have played a key role under Mikel Arteta.
Wright makes Iwobi claim
Speaking on the latest episode of the Wright’s House Podcast, Wright talked about Iwobi and how he could have made an impact in the current Arsenal team.
“I’m so pleased with the way it’s going for him. I remember Arsenal fans, it’s the same thing they did with Oxlade-Chamberlain, they ridiculed him. I remember watching him play in midfield early days for Arsenal at West Ham, and you’re seeing something”.
“His ball progression and work rate, what Frank has now recognised him and put him there, listen to the Everton fans when he’s doing his work, they are adoring him now. I’m loving the way it’s working out for Iwobi.
He added: “I’m just talking about somebody who’s making a massive difference to what Everton need – the work rate, his ball progression, his passing, everything. He’s the pass before the assist, people don’t realise it. Everton fans are now starting to realise that if they get the right players in and around him, he’s going to be a force for them.”
“You look at his work rate, it’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of intensity that Mikel wants now and needs now, we need that, we need somebody who can press like that.”
Right decision to sell
It was painful to see Iwobi go but it was the right decision at the time, especially considering the profit made from his sale. He was simply not good enough and there was no need to keep him at the club only to end up losing him for nothing.
Thankfully for the Nigerian, he is enjoying life at Everton and Arsenal are also doing well without him.
Besides, Iwobi would struggle to find minutes in the current Arsenal team so it’s safe to say we’re better off without him.
