Arsenal: Wenger’s Iwobi Decision Vindicated

Eyebrows were raised when Wenger blocked Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi from going to the Olympics with Nigeria. However, the recent spate of injuries has proved him right. 

Unless you have spent the last month under a rock, you would be aware that the Olympics are about to start in Rio. For that matter, the Olympic football tournament is already underway, with Brazil held to a frustrating draw.

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When Alex Iwobi had his breakthrough last year, the Super Eagles coaches were onto the task, selecting him in the squad for the Summer Tournament. However, for little apparent reason, Wenger blocked the starlet from going.

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I was one of many who had questioned the decision at the time. It seemed to make little sense; allowing Iwobi to go would have offered him great experience, and it would be good to let him play for a side other than the one he has been with since the age of 10.

Also, as the Olympic Squad is composed of mainly U-23 players, Iwobi might have played a more important, senior role in the squad, offering him valuable experience and responsibility. The more measured pace of international football would also have something in contrast to the English game: the only one he is familiar with.

However, I now entirely retract my thoughts. With Ozil and Ramsey on holiday, and Wilshere injured, Arsenal’s seemingly bottomless pile of attacking midfielders is now wearing worryingly thin. Fortunately, we have a solid crop of youngsters ready to take up the mantle. And at the forefront: Alex Iwobi.

Though in his league starts last year, Iwobi played mainly in wide roles on the flanks, he also attracted rave reviews earlier in the season in the CAM role in FA Cup fixtures, and the centre remains his most natural role.

He might also be required to help out on the wings in the first few matches, but between Sánchez, Walcott, Campbell, Reine-Adelaide and the Ox, the stock in that role of much less depleted.

Thus, it seems to have been a wise decision on Wenger’s part to have retained Iwobi for the start of the season. With few options available, he should be expected to play a crucial role in the opening spell of the season, perhaps more prominent than he would have for Nigeria.

This should help him grow considerably as a player. Besides the maturity I already mentioned, he will also get a run of games with the senior side in his preferred position. Who knows, maybe last season wasn’t the most that this guy can do? And not just because he’s only 20.

Also, Iwobi faces a huge fight for his spot on the flanks next season, with a huge existing and upcoming crop in place. Playing in the first team from the outset will help him develop a run of form, and offer him a head start against the rest of the competition.

Thus, yet again, a quirky call of Wenger’s has been vindicated. It’s almost as though he has predicted that Arsenal would have an injury crisis. Imagine that!

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What are your thoughts, Gooners? Was Wenger right in withholding Iwobi from the national side, or should he have let him take part in the tournament? Have you