Now is the time for a strategic integration of players like Alex Iwobi into more integral roles in the National Team setup, writes Footballlive.ng’s Ademetan Abayomi.
However, with the variation of roles and positions he has played at Arsenal it is imperative he holds down an attacking midfielder role for his country.
The Nigerian National Team is currently undergoing surgical operation. Winger Victor Moses has retired from national team duty while John Obi Mikel is at the twilight of his career.
The Eagles midfield is blessed with a fine array of developing young talent at it’s disposal but it is debatable whether most of them are ready to take up the mantle of their predecessors. However, Iwobi may have the strongest claim to that spot.
In the Super Eagles last two games against Libya, I observed that Iwobi has added another dimension to his game by vastly improving his passing ability and movement around the box seeing his assist stats elevate. This is mixed with his energy and spatial awareness. It is proving to develop him into an all-action midfielder.
It is said that with more power, comes more responsibilty and that has proved to be the case with Iwobj as his improvement has seen him play different positions for Arsenal.
Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr used him as a box to box midfielder to bring more cohesion into their midfield while also using him as a sitting midfielder to bring more stability over the two legs against Libya.
He brought intensity as he charged to close down Libya defenders but remained clever with his movement evading the midfield and defence to always remain available for passes.
