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Arsenal: Alex Iwobi And Jeff Reine-Adelaide Deserve Playing Time
Two of Arsenal’s most talented young players, Alex Iwobi and Jeff-Reine Adelaide, have been starved of first team appearances, and that needs to change.
In Arsenal’s F.A. Cup match against Sunderland at the weekend, Arsene Wenger rested star No. 10 Mesut Ozil. This pushed Theo Walcott into the center and let Alex Iwobi start. Iwobi played alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in what turned into a flat midfield four, and the two provided the main creative outlets for Arsenal’s attack.
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Iwobi impressed going forward in his 67 minutes on the pitch against the Black Cats. His younger teammate, Jeff-Reine Adelaide, had only nine minutes to give an impression after being subbed on in the 81st minute for Joel Campbell. Even though Adelaide was not given enough time to seriously impact the game, Arsenal fans who watched the club’s preseason football have seen the Frenchman flourish before. During this crowded period of fixtures, these two young talents should be given some first team minutes.
Injuries and fatigue in attacking midfield always become a problem for Arsenal in this period of the season. At the moment, Santi Cazorla and Alexis are the victims of the busy period. Mesut Ozil has looked tired in recent matches, and it’s noticeable that a rest would benefit the German. Need for rotation gives both Alex Iwobi and Jeff-Reine Adelaide an opportunity to stay in the team for more than one game at a time.
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Another opportunity for the two youngsters could appear on the right. After Alexis Sanchez’s switch to a role on the left flank, Arsene Wenger has no clear preference for his right-sided attacking midfielder. Alex Iwobi has been utilized centrally and on the left, and Jeff-Reine Adelaide has made appearances from the right, but they are both still players with developing to do. The lack of a first choice right winger gives the two a chance to show Wenger they are the next candidates.
Arsene Wenger is an ardent supporter of young players perpetually rotating in and out of the team. That preserves the fitness of older players, keeps competition for places and maintains the quota of home-grown talent.
Alex Iwobi had a solid game against Sunderland. Regardless of the Black Cats’ issues at the back, their back four is still Premier League quality – AND Sam Allardyce played his best center backs. Since the Nigerian proved himself as a capable team member, he should be given more chances in the near future.
Even though Jeff-Reine Adelaide is a very young man, he played in the Emirates Cup over the summer and played well against Wolfsburg and Lyon. Perhaps he does not need a lengthy run in the first team just yet, but putting him into the game when it needs a catalyst could benefit Arsenal.
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In conclusion, at a time like this in Arsenal’s season it is crucial to have players who lighten the burden on the stars. Especially if the star players pick up injuries. Admittedly, neither of these guys have made a huge impact in important games. However, it is crucial to develop your best young players with first-team match experience. If Arsene Wenger thinks Krystian Bielik is too young for the first team, that’s fine. On the other hand, even the fans can see that these two players, Iwobi and Adelaide, have the talent to play for Arsenal Football Club.