Iwobi is a special player England will miss, says Wenger

ROY Hodgson could have missed out by not moving to secure Alex Iwobi as a full England international, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The 19-year-old, born in Lagos, Nigeria, played for England at youth level before declaring his allegiance for the Super Eagles last year.

Iwobi has made two appearances for his birthland in friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroun, though will remain eligible for England until he makes a competitive appearance for Sunday Oliseh’s side.

Among the most highly-rated of Wenger’s young prospects Iwobi has made a big impression in recent weeks, starting FA Cup ties against Sunderland and Burnley.

Speaking after the 2-1 victory over the Clarets at the Emirates, in which the youngster was among his stand-out performers, Wenger made clear that he believes Iwobi would be good enough to play for England.
“He plays for Nigeria now, and he should play for England,” he said.

“I think he has shown everybody that he is a good football player again. I find him personally very interesting because his decision making is spot on and his awareness is very interesting.

“I like the timing of the decision making and the quality of his decision making. He always turns when you want him to turn and he plays the ball where you want him to play the ball. It is very interesting.”