Mesut Ozil has revealed he “loved watching” Jay-Jay Okocha – and has now been impressed by the Nigerian icon’s nephew, Alex Iwobi.
Okocha enjoyed a stellar 18-year career in European football, after leaving his homeland in 1990.
He also cemented his status as one of Africa’s greatest players through an excellent 13-year stint in the Nigeria set-up.
The attacking midfielder now has the pleasure of watching a family member in his own position, as Iwobi has remarkably claimed a place in Arsenal’s starting XI.
Having only made his debut in October 2015, the Gunners academy graduate has impressed with his combination of composure and natural talent, dovetailing well with superstars Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
The former has now praised Iwobi by likening him to Okocha, as well as another football icon of the 1990s, in Edgar Davids.
Ozil told Arsenal Player: “He reminds me of his uncle, Jay-Jay Okoch. He was a player I loved watching.
“Alex reminds me of a mixture of him and Edgar Davids. He’s really strong on the ball, also defensively, but he’s good in front of goal too.
“He knows exactly what he can do. He isn’t scared and doesn’t hide on the pitch. He just wants to have fun playing football and that really shows on the pitch, and also in training.”
Currently on international duty, Iwobi netted for the Super Eagles on Sunday, in a 2018 World Cup qualification win over Zambia.
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