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World Cup: Alex Iwobi is the breakout star we already know

By Mahith Gamage

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 02: Alex Iwobi of Nigeria during the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 02: Alex Iwobi of Nigeria during the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Alex Iwobi is Nigeria’s talisman heading into the FIFA World Cup, where they will compete in the group of death.

Life at Arsenal has not been easy whatsoever for young Alex Iwobi over the past couple years. He enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in 2015-16, where he scored on his debut and put in some incredible performances (against Barcelona in particular). Yet, since then, the midfielder has plateaued.

His ceiling is much, much higher than the level he’s operating at right now, and perhaps Arsenal’s change in management will improve his form. Now, Iwobi is a pedestrian for the club, but for his nation, Nigeria, he is nothing short of a superstar.

https://twitter.com/Aubameyang7/status/1004680255196614656

Iwobi played youth football for England. From the U16 to U18 he represented the Three Lions, but when he broke into the Arsenal team in 2015, he made the bold decision to play for his birth nation, Nigeria.

What a decision that has turned out to be! He has excelled for Nigeria over the past few years and even scored the goal against Zambia to send them through to the World Cup, making him a national icon. In fact, Iwobi actually has more goals in 19 matches for Nigeria (5), than he does in any individual season for Arsenal.

Iwobi hasn’t been able to play in his favored position for Arsenal, but he has for Nigeria.

It’s true, Iwobi loves to operate in the number 10 role, as he’s excellent in between the lines. However, Arsenal, of course, has Mesut Ozil playing in that role, meaning Iwobi has been pushed out to the flanks on most occasions. Perhaps this is to blame for his poor form, but his lack of quality in the final third, in general, has been evident at Arsenal, who of course maintain plenty of possession in the final third.

Nigeria has handed Iwobi that number 10 role and we’ve seen his full potential on display there. In November, Iwobi alone ravaged Argentina with two goals in their 4-2 friendly win. It was a victory that gave Nigeria confidence moving forward, and surely they’ll be more up to the task when they face the same Argentina side in Russia.

Iwobi could be a breakout star at this World Cup, although most people know plenty about him already.

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Plenty of eyes are set to be on Nigeria in this tournament. Partly because of their jerseys, and partly because of the young stars they have on display. Now, if Iwobi continues his international form into the tournament, he could be considered amongst some of the breakout players that truly made a name for themselves in Russia.

Most people have seen plenty of him, sure, he plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, most fans haven’t seen him in full flight for a long, long time. He has an excellent chance to showcase his incredible ball retention, his passing in the final third, and maybe even his shooting boots.

Russia 2018 may just be the tournament where Alex Iwobi reminds the world of his massive potential.

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