Arsenal: Alex Iwobi identity crisis needs happy resolution

Arsenal had a lot banked on the up-and-coming Alex Iwobi, but since his breakthrough, there has been nothing but confusion as far as where he fits. What’s next?

When Alex Iwobi was put in the fast lane around Joel Campbell, Theo Walcott, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of the 2015/16 season, it seemed Arsenal had him figured out. He was put on the pedestal next to Marcus Rashford and it was assumed that he would just pick up where he left off.

That hasn’t happened. In fact, it’s arguably been nothing but disappointment for Iwobi since then. He got off to a quick start in 2016/17, landing three assists early on in the season, but in the end, he would managed just three more goals to close out what was supposed to be a huge year for him with just three goals, three assists, and 1463 minutes played.

This year has been even worse. Unable to break into the starting XI or even make his way into consistent substitute duties, Iwobi has played just over 600 minutes and managed one lowly goal.

Now that Aaron Ramsey is out, he’s getting himself some consistent playing time, which might be the key to unlocking that potential again, but he is still struggling to assert himself on any given matchday.

The problem has to come down to this identity crisis he seems to be having, helped on by Arsene Wenger. No one seems sure of what his best position is. His big breakthrough came as a winger, but he didn’t look like a winger. He was too big and not quick enough.

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So they tried central attacking midfield, but there is such a back-up there that he was never going to breakthrough without serious damage to the ranks.

Now he is playing straight central midfield, which seems to compliment his raw abilities, but it’s still too soon in his new spot to discern if it is right for him.

On the respective checklists of all three positions, Iwobi seems to have the most in common with a traditional central midfielder, but that would included bolstering his defensive capabilities, as well as his willingness to track back.

Not knowing what position your future is at has plagued Arsenal players too much in recent years. The Ox bolted because he couldn’t nail down his proper role. Ainsley Maitland-Niles figures to run into a similar problem. Aaron Ramsey had these issues after his 2013/14 season.

It’s a problem, and Iwobi is at a crucial point in figuring out the problem. 21 years old and not clear on where his true position is, with a manager who looks content playing him wherever he can to try to glimpse a sign that he belongs in any given spot. It’s a dicey situation.

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With quick feet and an intelligent footballing mind, it’s a shame to see the Iwobi package being left frustrated. This needs a happy resolution and it needs one soon, lest the frustrations start to eat at him.

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