Arsenal winger, Alex Iwobi, has named Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin as the biggest influences on his time at the club.
Iwobi joined Arsenal in 2004 and made his first-team debut last year, starting in a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round of the League Cup.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks while Wilshere and Coquelin were already established at the north London club, and the Nigerian international says the duo have had a big impact on his career.
“[The biggest influence on me] would probably be Jack Wilshere but he has not been around recently,” he told the Arsenal website.
“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.”
Iwobi made his 50th appearance for the Gunners in their 2-1 defeat to Watford at the Emirates on February 1, a milestone the Nigerian didn’t expect so early in his career.
“I never thought I would be here at the age of 20, it’s an amazing feeling to have made more than 50 appearances for Arsenal,” he added.
“It is just the start of my career basically, so I just need to get more goals, more assists and make more appearances and do my best for the team.
“The manager, Steve Bould, everyone – even the players – have all given me advice on what to do, helping me on and off the pitch. Everyone has helped me get to where I am today.”
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