Arsenal: Alex Iwobi Can Avoid Shortcomings Of His Predecessors

Alex Iwobi is showing that he has the mental strength and dedication to avoid the shortcomings of his Arsenal predecessors.

One of the best parts of supporting a club like Arsenal is getting the chance to see youth players get a real chance to prove themselves. This philosophy was most notably implemented with the youthful British core that Arsene Wenger cultivated in North London. Theo Walcott (16), Jack Wilshere (16), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (17), and Aaron Ramsey (18), all made very early debuts for the Gunners.

The boss has shown faith in these players, trusting them to do the heavy lifting at the club for many seasons. However, for one reason or another, all of these players have experienced setbacks at the club. Nonetheless, Arsenal’s newest hotshot youngster, Alex Iwobi, can avoid suffering the same fate as his predecessors.

One binding issue that plagued Ramsey, Walcott, Wilshere and the Ox, is injury. While it seems that Iwobi is sturdy and gifted with great physical qualities, injuries are a part of being a professional athlete. It is unlikely that Iwobi will completely avoid getting injured.

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His fitness record since breaking into the first team has been pretty fantastic. Hopefully, that can continue throughout his time in North London, but I want to focus on things that Iwobi can control on his own.

Firstly let us begin with what he can learn from Theo Walcott. Like his strike partner Olivier Giroud, Walcott has divided the Arsenal fanbase for years. After a sputtering season and a failed experiment as a lone striker, many supporters were calling for Walcott to be sold last summer. This was apparently the wake-up call that the English speedster needed. This season he has reborn.

He has approached the game with a much greater work rate and his production this season has been crucial for the squad. Walcott has found a renewed sense of determination but many fans would ask where this commitment has been for many seasons. Iwobi can learn from Walcott, and be sure to remain humble and committed no matter what. If Ithe 20-year-old stays focused, he won’t need a kick up the backside like Walcott received when he was dropped from the international team for the 2016 Euros.

The biggest issue for Oxlade-Chamberlain has been his inconsistency. Of course, players will go through patches of form, but good intelligent choices and tactical discipline can lessen the impact of those dry streaks. What seems to hold back the Ox from measured and repeated performances is poor decision-making.

No one can question the Ox’s physical tools or potential, but the former Southampton man often struggles with the mental aspect of the game. Even if Iwobi is having a game where he finds it difficult to get himself going, he can still be productive by making sound decisions. This fact was on display against Swansea. Although Iwobi didn’t get a goal to his name, the youngster’s intelligence and incision in the final third did force the two own goals and many other big chances.

One of Aaron Ramsey’s biggest faults is his lack of tactical discipline. It seems that far too often the Welshman bombs forward and leaves his midfield partner exposed. Furthermore, supporters often get annoyed at Ramsey’s propensity to overcomplicate Arsenal’s midfield play. If Iwobi can learn to maintain his focus and discipline, he can avoid making the same mistakes that Ramsey has.

Finally, we come to Jack Wilshere. Wilshere’s faults have stemmed largely from his catastrophic injury record. However, there is one main lesson that Iwobi can learn from him: persistence. I’m not saying that Wilshere has not exhibited persistence at Arsenal. Rather, his latest decision to go out on loan is something that Iwobi should avoid.

With Arsenal’s current midfield situation, Wilshere could’ve gotten some significant game time. Moreover, his contract situation is currently up in the air and his loan move has opened the door to speculation over his future. Iwobi should do his utmost to remain at the club and close to Wenger’s gaze.

Next: Arsenal Vs Swansea City: 5 Things We Learned

If Iwobi can learn from the shortcomings of his teammates, then he has everything needed to fully realise his potential.