- Alex Iwobi impressed against Arsenal in Fulham's 1-1 draw, earning praise from Ian Wright and Mikel Arteta for his stellar form this season
- Wright commended Iwobi’s attitude since leaving Arsenal, noting his determination to prove his worth at Fulham under Marco Silva
- Arteta lauded Iwobi’s versatility and “special quality,” lauding how well he has evolved into an important Premier League player
Super Eagles midfield maestro Alex Iwobi has been the subject of glowing praise from Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Gunners manager Mikel Arteta after his stellar performances for Fulham this season, including an impressive display against his former club in Sunday’s 1-1 draw.
The Nigerian international, who came through Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, has shown remarkable improvement in his career since departing the Emirates in 2019.
Ian Wright, speaking on Premier League Productions, lauded Iwobi for his attitude and growth since leaving Arsenal. He emphasised how the midfielder has used his departure as motivation to prove his worth,
“A club like Arsenal with the facilities you’ve had since you were eight, you leave and go somewhere like Fulham, and your character determines how you respond. If you approach it with the right attitude, as Alex has done, you thrive. He’s proving to everyone why he was at Arsenal and why he’s a top player,” he said.
Iwobi’s career journey has been anything but linear. After spending 15 years at Arsenal, the Gunners sold him to Everton for £35 million in 2019, a decision influenced by the club’s then-record £72 million signing of Nicolas Pepe.
At Everton, Iwobi gradually worked on his unique style of play, and his move to Fulham last summer marked another chapter of growth.
Under Marco Silva’s guidance, the 28-year-old has flourished, becoming an important player in Fulham’s midfield. This season, Iwobi has delivered five goals and three assists in 15 Premier League starts, earning widespread recognition for his performances.
Mikel Arteta, who played and managed Iwobi during his early days at Arsenal, also commended his former player’s transformation,
“I always liked him a lot. I thought he had tremendous talent and a very special quality, he has the capacity to play in different spaces and positions. I’m really happy to see him performing at this level.”
Against Arsenal on Sunday, December 8 Iwobi played a full 90 minutes, displaying his usual energy and creativity. Although Fulham settled for a draw, Iwobi’s contribution was important in frustrating his former club.
“Iwobi has nothing to prove,” Troost Ekong supports Fulham star despite criticism
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has come to the defence of Alex Iwobi, lauding the Fulham midfielder’s commitment and professionalism amid constant criticism.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Nigeria's AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda, Troost-Ekong reiterated Iwobi’s importance to the national team, predicting that he will eventually be celebrated as one of the country’s footballing greats.
