Alex Iwobi Scout Report At Arsenal 2018/2019

Following a disappointing end to Unai Emerys first year at the helm, its clear that significant improvements are needed at Arsenal.

However, with limited finances, giving opportunities to some of their emerging youth products will likely play an important part in their attempts to rejoin Europes elite.

Along with blooding youngsters such as Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, and Emile Smith-Rowe, head coach Unai Emery might also look to give Alex Iwobi a more integral role in the side.

The 23-year-old hasnt been without his critics since breaking into the first team back in 2015.

However, there were plenty of positives to take from his contributions last term.

In this tactical analysis, we will examine the 23-year-olds strengths while highlighting some room for improvement.

Chance creation

Although Arsenals goal tally was just one lower than in Arsene Wengers final campaign, they finished last season with only the 11th most attempts on goal.

Their shot total of 467 was down 127 from the previous term.

Furthermore, their highest assist provider was Alexandre Lacazette, with eight, the lowest among the top six teams.

Mesut Ozil was expected to shoulder much of the responsibility for chance creation, but the former Germany international only recorded two assists in 25 domestic appearances.

Arsenals creativity problems have been further compounded by the departure of Aaron Ramsey to Juventus, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan is yet to perform consistently.

Dani Ceballos has been linked with a loan move from Real Madrid, but the Spaniard failed to register an assist in 1,324 La Liga minutes, scoring on three occasions.

His ability to progress the play with dribbling would be a welcome addition, but theres little indication that he could solve the Gunners problems in midfield.

Part of the solution may come from academy graduate Alex Iwobi.

The Nigerian international made 22 starts in the league during Emerys first year in charge, operating primarily on the left wing in his tactics.

Despite being in and out of the side, he finished in the Premier Leagues top 20 for big chances created, registering a total of 10.

He also recorded eight assists in all competitions (0.24 per 90). For comparison, Ozil created 3 big chances in the league, completing 0.11 assists on average.

The image below illustrates Iwobis final assist of the season, coming against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Having received on the left side of the penalty area, he quickly scans the options available to him before picking out Aubameyang at the back post.

Given the congested nature of the play, it was an excellent display of spatial awareness and vision.

These types of actions are a common feature of his game, regularly receiving possession on the advanced left-wing before looking for movement in the box.

The next image provides another example.

On this occasion, Lacazette and Aubameyang are both occupied by defenders.

A small gap exists in the centre, triggering Granit Xhaka to make a late move forward.