Alex Iwobi: What Theo Walcott wishes he was
“He can play on the left, he can play on the right, he can play behind the striker, even number nine.”
It may sound like a fan chant, but the above is the simple
explanation from Arsene Wenger when asked about the future of Alex Iwobi
in February. The well-trodden path of the loaned-out youngster was sure
to beckon for the 19-year-old. Jack Wilshere flourished after a spell
with Bolton. Time at Watford in 2014 benefited Hector Bellerin. Francis
Coquelin, Joel Campbell and Aaron Ramsey have all become key members of
the first-team squad after experience out on loan. It has become a rite
of passage for youngsters at the Emirates Stadium: Iwobi was surely the
next in line.
But Wenger refused. “I have a hesitation about loaning him out,” said
the Frenchman a month and a half ago. “It’s because I think this guy
could very quickly play.” When Wenger gets it wrong, he gets it very
wrong. But when he gets it right…
The decision not to loan out Iwobi spoke volumes. Wenger’s reputation
for developing young talent is undoubted, and the Frenchman regularly
uses the loan market to hand experience to those who are not quite
ready. “There is a gap here between playing in the reserves and our
first team,” Wenger once said in 2008. “So I try to loan them to another
club, to get them ready.”
They say actions speak louder than words. Wenger was almost shouting
when offering his backing to Iwobi by keeping hold of him; he would have
needed several megaphones to send a more emphatic message of support
than starting the forward against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the
Champions League last month. Iwobi’s sudden rise to prominence continued
with another goal on another start in
the victory over Watford.
After 76 minutes, Iwobi departed the field to rousing applause from a
delighted Arsenal home support. It was the kind of reaction his
replacement Theo Walcott yearns for. The England international rounded
off the scoring at the Emirates Stadium, but he would be forgiven for
suffering a bout of jealousy having watched Iwobi’s performance. He must
also be fearing for his squad place.
Before Iwobi, Walcott was one of the last youngsters Wenger opted not
to loan out. The forward was 16 when he signed from Southampton in
2006. But Wenger did not sound out a Championship side for a loan move.
Instead, he gradually introduced Walcott into the Arsenal first team.
While the loan market is Wenger’s tried and trusted method, special
dispensation will be afforded to special players. Walcott was one. Iwobi
is another.
Walcott was synonymous with the word ‘prospect’ in his teenage years.
His raw talent and electric pace made for an incredibly exciting
talent. But the potential has never been fulfilled. Walcott wants to
play as a striker, yet has never provided a sustained run of form to
support his argument. As a winger he is too often ineffective. In
Wenger’s words, Iwobi “can play on the left, he can play on the right,
he can play behind the striker, even number nine”. The 19-year-old is
already a more-rounded player than the 27-year-old, and only one of them
will progress.
The most impressive traits among Iwobi’s burgeoning arsenal (ahem…)
are his adaptability and versatility. It is not that the Nigerian can
play in a number of different positions, it is that he can excel in
them. He facilitates and suits Arsenal’s style; Walcott so often
impinges upon and restricts it. Iwobi is a team player; Walcott is an
individual. The elder has been Wenger’s favourite for so long, but Iwobi
has all the potential to usurp him. And potential is a far more
attractive characteristic in a 19-year-old player than it is a
27-year-old.
Against Barcelona, Iwobi impressed. Against Everton, Iwobi impressed.
Against Watford, Iwobi impressed. Three consecutive starts, two
back-to-back goals. Iwobi has now scored as many goals in two Premier
League starts as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – another whose potential
persuaded Wenger not to loan out – in his last 30. The Nigerian has
already surpassed one former Southampton prospect; he has every chance
of unseating Walcott as well.
