Iwobi’s ‘crazy’ Arsenal dream

Soccer Saturday’s Dickie Davis sits down with Alex Iwobi to discuss Arsenal’s title chances and the young forward’s career so far…

When Alex Iwobi was just 17, I did his media training at Arsenal.

The idea was to get those coming through the youth system at the Emirates used to dealing with journalists – and what to do when we ask a pesky question.

We always stress that whatever they say, they should be honest.

So what did Iwobi say three years ago when I asked him if he thought he could make it at Arsenal? “I think it’s half and half. I feel I have a chance,” he said.

“There’s loads of really good players in my position but I think if I show a lot of determination and desire, there might be a chance.”

Well what do you know. Here we are three years later, and I’m interviewing him again – this time as a player fast establishing himself in the first team. Eight starts last season have been followed by eight starts already this season.

It is safe to say he got his chance and has grabbed it with both hands and – being two-footed – both feet.

As we showed him his media training interview, and he smiles at his hairstyle back then (we’ve all been there), he realises how far he has come.

Three years ago he was clearly nervous, looking like a rabbit caught in our lights. Now he sits relaxed, pleased with how it’s going at Arsenal, but still with that boyish attitude.

“I can’t believe I’m up against Premier League players,” Iwobi says. “But the more I play, the more I feel …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com