Alex Iwobi shines for Nigeria before Arsenal’s crucial derby

Alexi Iwboi grabbed a brace earlier today for Nigeria as they cruised past Argentina 4-2 in a friendly match that, thankfully, concludes the last round of international fixtures until next March.

Starting up front alongside Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho (who scored one of the Super Eagles’ four goals), Iwobi comfortably slotted home his first while sitting in the middle of the box after receiving a pass from Iheanacho, who sitting wide and to the right with space to operate from before finding the Arsenal man in a dangerous position a few yards away from the goal line.

Iwobi’s second goal required a couple extra deft touches to get into space to shoot, after yet another pass from a wide right position – this time from Ahmed Musa – found him in a central position but being closed down quickly by Javier Mascherano in front and Nicolas Otamendi trailing behind. His ability to get the ball into space behind Mascherano and the movement needed to get off the shot was the highlight of the match.

Arsene Wenger has trusted Iwobi in recent matches, as evidenced by his inclusion away at Manchester City earlier this month. Seeing this sort of work and results from a central position up against the opposition’s back line should continue to make him a name at the forefront of Wenger’s mind when it comes time to deciding his final squad on Saturday versus Tottenham.