Unai Emery wants Arsenal star to continue influencing matches

The player has become a pivotal part of the Spaniard’s plan

Alex Iwobi has been with Arsenal since he was 9 years old and made his senior debut in the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in League Cup in 2015. He want on to make 24 appearances in all competition that season.

The Nigeria International continued his development under former manager Arsene Wenger and became an integral part of the Gunners. He featured prominently last season, scoring 3 goals across 40 appearances in all competitions.

He signed a new 5 year deal back in October 2016 but talks over a new deal began last December as the Premier League giants were impressed with his performances. He signed a new long term contract with the club, extending his current deal until the summer of 2022.

The winger has become a pivotal part of new coach Unai Emery’s plan and has played 328 minutes in six games so far, scored a goal and provided 2 assists.

He was introduced in the 63rd minute against a resilient Watford in Saturday’s English Premier League tie provided the assist for Craig Cathcart’s own goal and was involved in the second goal scored by Mesut Ozil.

Emery wants the Nigerian to continue influencing matches and urged him to stay nearer to the box so as to continue scoring and laying assists.

“He works hard every day,” Emery told Standard Sport .

“Three weeks ago he was out of the team for two weeks with an injury.

“I’m very happy with him and his mentality. He has the quality to play right or left, to do more one-on-ones against the opposition.

“I want him to stay nearer the box to score and be more aggressive, finding assists for team-mates. This is the way for him and other players.”