Mikel Arteta has expressed his admiration for Alex Iwobi, stressing the Nigeria international’s versatility and unique qualities.
The Arsenal manager, who briefly played alongside Iwobi at the Emirates, said: “I always liked him a lot. I thought that he had a tremendous talent, a very special quality. He had the capacity to play in different spaces and different positions. I’m really happy to see him playing at that level.”
These comments highlights the respect Arteta holds for his former teammate, whose development as a player continues to impress.
His recent brace against Brighton brought his tally to five goals, three assists in 17 matches, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable midfielders.
The Arsenal rebuild: What if Iwobi had stayed?
The 27-year-old's departure from Arsenal in 2019 marked the end of a 15-year association with his boyhood club.
The Super Eagles star moved to Everton during Unai Emery’s tenure, with Arsenal using the transfer funds to reinvest in the squad. Interestingly, Arteta had also moved from Everton to Arsenal during his playing career.
Just months after Iwobi’s exit, Arteta arrived at the helm, beginning his transformation of the North London club. Reflecting on that timeline, fans can’t help but wonder how Iwobi might have fit into Arteta’s vision for a dynamic, versatile squad.
Arteta’s arrival brought sweeping changes to Arsenal, with a focus on nurturing young talent and creating a cohesive, adaptable playing style.
Iwobi’s ability to excel in multiple roles—whether as a winger, attacking midfielder, or central playmaker—aligns with the attributes Arteta prioritises.
Given Arteta’s success with players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, it’s intriguing to consider how Iwobi could have evolved under the Spaniard’s guidance.
Could he have been a key player in Arsenal’s resurgence, or would he have struggled to adapt to Arteta's demanding style? We will never know.
