Arsenal: Alex Iwobi Finds Nearby Inspiration

Arsenal have a rather talented youngster on their hands in Alex Iwobi. He’s now finding inspiration from a nearby source – Mesut Ozil.

The development of young players within the squad can often come from the inspiration and mentoring of the older, more experienced players at the club. The likes of Patrick Viera, Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell could learn from Arsenal legends in the name of Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams and the like.

That is once more taking place, and it is the Gunnerswho are reaping the rewards. The world class talent of players like Alexis Sanchez, Petr Cech and Mesut Ozil goes further than simply improving the team’s play on the pitch. They inspire, lead and motivate teammates, especially younger ones, to aspire for such consistently great levels of performance.

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Alex Iwobi is one who particularly benefiting from the talent around him. Most specifically, the Nigerian international has stated that he looks up to Ozil and was inspired and honoured when his German teammate praised his game so heavily, likening him to Edgar Davids and Jay-Jay Okocha:

"“Mesut just tells me that I’m young and need to express myself on the pitch. Obviously I need to listen to other people’s advice as well, but he tells me to always play with a smile on my face and enjoy the game. When I saw [his comments comparing me to Okocha and Edgar Davids] I was like, ‘Wow is he serious?’ because he never really says that much to me. He just gives me advice and help, but it’s such a confidence boost for such a great player to say that about me.”"

The need for players, and not just coaches and managers, to nurture young, developing players through example is great. Thankfully, through Arsene Wenger’s intelligent spending and investment, assembling a rather formidable and talented squad, Arsenal now have such experienced and talented player fulfil such a need.

Ozil and Iwobi have developed a great understanding on the pitch. They’re shared intelligence is clear to see. The way that they both drift into space between the lines, picking apart opposing defences with clever little passes and mazy runs is magnificent. Against Swansea on Saturday, the two were once again excellent, linking up repeatedly.

Next: Arsenal Vs Swansea: 5 Things We Learned

Ozil is a tremendous figure to have in the Arsenal dressing room, and his influence and talent is clearly having a positive effect on those around him. Iwobi is simply one of many to benefit from the German’s inspiration.