TheCable

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal FC manager, has praised Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi over the improvement in his game.

He said the Nigerian striker’s love of football makes him a “pleasure to work with”.

Wenger said Iwobi, who scored the goal that qualified Nigeria for the FIFA 2018 World Cup, is getting better in all aspects of his game, especially in the goalscoring department.

The Arsenal coach’s appraisal of Iwobi was in reaction to the brace he scored for Nigeria in the friendly game against Argentina.

Arsene Wenger told football.London: “I think Alex is a player who grows regularly.

“This season, for the first time he’s adding what we want from him – goals – to his qualities, which are exceptional.

“Overall I think he has a good attitude and now he becomes efficient in front of goal as well. This kind of experiences like the one against Argentina will help him even more to grow.

“Before he rushed his finishing but his finishes against Argentina showed composed finishing of a guy who knows what he’s doing, and with his left foot as well.

“He’s worked a lot on his finishing and he’s improved a lot. Compared to one year ago, the difference is unbelievable.

“There’s still much to come from him. I want him to become a better defender as well. You want him to make better quality receptions in the final third, better runs.

“That will come because he’s a boy who loves football, who is passionate about the game and he has a very good attitude and analysis about his own game.

“He’s just enthusiastic to play and enthusiastic to be involved. He’s a pleasure to work with.

“For him the target is to keep the same attitude and the same desire to improve, he’ll move forward very quickly.”