Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi has described his display against Barcelona as his best performance of the season.
The midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough campaign as he featured heavily in the first-team in the closing stages of 2015/16, with his inclusion in the starting line-up against Barcelona pinpointed as the moment that he was recognised as a senior player.
Although he enjoyed other impressive performances, such as against Everton in the Premier League, when he found the net, the Nigerian believes that his showing in the Camp Nou was especially effective given the standard of opposition.
Arsenal lost the game 3-1, with Arsene Wenger’s side crashing out of the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage once again, but Iwobi recalled the occasion with fondness.
As reported by the club’s official website, Iwobi said: “In my opinion my best performance was against Barcelona because I think they are the best team in the world.
“For such a young player to play in a game like that gave me a lot of confidence. You can’t get any bigger than that – Barcelona away – so to just be selected for that game means I am doing something right.
“Also I thought I did alright in the game as well, so that’s my favourite performance, even though we didn’t win.
“I was buzzing after the game. I train with some of the best players in the world at Arsenal, but to play against Barcelona could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the fact I thought I did all right made it even better.”
Iwobi kept the ball well against Barcelona, registering an average pass accuracy of 83%, while he created two chances and was successful with one take-on.
After his display in that game, Iwobi went on to enjoy a lengthy run in the side and the prospect will be hopeful of receiving further opportunities next season.
Iwobi is certainly highly regarded at Arsenal, and has been allocated the No.17 shirt ahead of next season, previously worn by Alexis Sanchez, indicating that he could be heavily involved for Wenger’s side again.
There will be considerable competition for places in the Arsenal team next season, especially in midfield, following the arrival of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach.
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