Wenger: Iwobi’s a grower not a shower

Arsene Wenger has said he knew immediately that Alex Iwobi could make it at Arsenal but admits the 20-year-old isn’t the type of player who immediately exudes star quality.
The attacking midfielder, nephew of the legendary Nigerian international Jay-Jay Okocha, rose to prominence at the tail end of last season, making 21 appearances and has maintained momentum this term, featuring three times in the Gunners’ opening five Premier League games.
Reflecting on Iwobi’s rise through the ranks of the Arsenal Academy, Wenger told Arsenal Player: “[I knew] when I took him in training a few times. He is not the kind of player who impresses you at first. But when you look a bit deeper he is quick at connecting with other players.
“Football is perception, decision-making and acting. The perception especially struck me. The perception he has of the game and the speed of his decision-making struck me.
“When you look at him at first there is nothing special there. But after when you look he is always connecting with others at a very high level and a very high pace. That’s why I think he is improving.
“He has still a lot of work to do but he has something that is very important at the top level. Speed and an understanding of the game.”