Alex Iwobi: Super Eagles legend says Arsenal star should believe in himself

Kanu wants Iwobi to step up his game whenever he plays for Arsenal .

Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu has called on Arsenal star Alex Iwobi to believe in himself.

Iwobi who recently signed a new deal with the Gunners has been playing a peripheral role since his promotion to the first team.

With star players such as Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the team, the Nigeria international has taken a back seat to the global known names.

 

Kanu has, however, come out to encourage the youngster to stand up and be counted among the leaders in the team.

Even though the 22-year-old has made a total of 98 appearances for the Gunners, he is yet to become an undisputed component as the Emirates.

In a report by the Standard Kanu stated that Iwobi will have to step up his performances to be counted among the big boys.

 

He said, “In Arsenal, you have big, big names. I don’t think he sees himself in that way.

“When I talk with him I want him to feel that way. Just because you’re younger than the other players doesn’t mean you’re not a star. He’s a star in his own right.

Kanu also stated that Iwobi needs to change the perception that he cannot be relied upon when in an Arsenal jersey unlike when he plays for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

He said, “When he comes to Nigeria he feels the pressure: he’s Iwobi, he needs to deliver. With Arsenal, he thinks ‘ok, there’s other names here, no problem’. He needs to change that.

“For me, he’s a special kid. Arsenal knows the quality he has got and they know he can deliver on that eventually.

“He didn’t just become a bad player overnight. If the team isn’t doing well it affects everybody. He’s a talented player who’ll do more and do better for Arsenal.”

Iwobi who scored the winning penalty for Arsenal in their pre-season encounter and will hope to continue his good form when they face Manchester City in their opening game of the 2018/19 Premier League season.