Alex Iwobi: I Am Leaner And Sharper Under Unai Emery

Alex Iwobi enjoying life under Unai Emery…

Arsenal star Alex Iwobi is enjoying life under Unai Emery and has credited the new head coach behind his impressive run of form since the start of the season, The Telegraph reports.

Iwobi was handed a new long-term contract by the club last summer and Emery spoke glowingly of the Nigerian, ending speculation that he may have been sold.

The 22-year old’s Gunners career stagnated in recent years following an explosive burst onto the scene, and many were hoping he’d follow the likes of Jack Wilshere out of the door.

In a squad with few wide players capable of driving with the ball, Emery clearly felt Iwobi was needed going forward and the academy graduate detailed what the Spanish coach wants from him.

“I’m more positive and more confident with the ball,” he was quoted as saying.

“The boss has basically told me that if something doesn’t work, just keep going and don’t dwell on it.

“He’s told me to stop being so critical and to just keep trying no matter what happens, no matter if things don’t go as I want them to.

“That’s given me a lot more confidence to try a few more things, like beat a player, to shoot more. I’m always ready to get on the ball a bit more, so I guess it’s helped in that sense.

“I’ve lost a bit of weight because of the intense training and I think it’s made me a bit sharper.”

It’s nice to see Emery engaging with players’ mental status as well as their technical qualities. For a player in Iwobi’s position, persistence is key as it only takes it to go right once for us to score a goal.