Ozil told me to always play with a smile like Okocha, says Iwobi

Super Eagles and Arsenal striker, Alex Iwobi has revealed that the advice of team-mate, Mesut Ozil has been key to his flourishing role in Arsene Wenger’s first team.

“Mesut just tells me that I’m young and need to express myself on the pitch,’ Iwobi told the cub’s website. “Obviously I need to listen to other people’s advice as well, but he tells me to always play with a smile on my face and enjoy the game.’

Ozil recently compared the youngster to Jay-Jay Okocha, encouraging him to ‘play with a smile’, just as his uncle did.

Iwobi admitted he was blown away by the comments, saying: ‘When I saw [his comments] I was like, “Wow is he serious?” because he never really says that much to me.

“He just gives me advice and help, but it’s such a confidence boost for such a great player to say that about me.

“I’m the same kid I used to be,’ he added. ‘The same kid who used to work hard. There’s a bit of luck as well.

“For me to get that chance and take it like I did, I’m just fortunate and happy to have taken them. I guess it’s luck at the end of the day.’

Iwobi is likely to be involved when the Gunners host Ludogorets in the Champions League today.

The 20-year-old Iwobi has spent more minutes than ever on the pitch this season but the Arsenal winger still has plenty of time for his loved ones.

According to Dailymail.co.uk, the Nigerian’s girlfriend, Clarisse Juliette, took to Instagram yesterday to share a cute snap of the couple posing for a selfie.

“When you and your bae don’t need filter, just the flash,’ captioned Juliette, who describes herself as a ‘South American and European Londoner’ on the page.

Unsurprisingly Iwobi was all smiles, having earned plenty of plaudits for his dynamic performances this season.