)
An Arsenal academy graduate highlighted the Super Eagles' midfielder's legacy.
Fulham midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has tagged Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi as a legend, a beacon for himself and many that came through the Arsenal youth set-up.
)
08:39 - 16.12.2024
Naija Stars Abroad: Super Eagles defenders outshine Lookman, Chukwueze and Iwobi
It was a weekend for Super Eagles defenders with Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi all caged.
)
17:51 - 14.12.2024
Liverpool vs Fulham: Jota rescues Slot's 10-man Reds from Iwobi's brave Cottagers
10-man Liverpool fought back to secure 2-2 draw against Fulham in a four-goal thriller at Anfield to extend their unbeaten run to 19 matches.
Alex Iwobi: Hale End icon
Iwobi, now 27 and a seasoned professional, was one of the brightest talents to have come through the Arsenal youth set-up at Hale End.
He was given his debut by Arsene Wenger himself in 2015 and went on to play over 140 games for the North Londoners, scoring 15 goals and assisting 29 times.
He eventually left the club in 2019, signing for Everton in a £40 million move. He had a successful stint at Merseyside and is now one of the key players for Marco Silva at Fulham.
)
What Smith Rowe said
After Iwobi, Arsenal created more Premier League stars through Hale End, with Bukayo Saka, Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah currently starring in the top English flight.
Others like Maitland Niles and Folarin Balogun are plying their trade outside England, while newly minted ones like Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis Skelly are breaking through.
According to Smith Rowe, who is now at Fulham with the Nigerian star, Iwobi was the pioneer, and he and others who came through the academy looked up to him.
“For me, he’s like a legend,” Smith Rowe said. “Just in terms of looking up to him from the time I’ve been at Arsenal. He kind of started it off for us young players, breaking through to the first team.
“Obviously, he’s still young and can’t be a legend, but for me and young players, he’s inspirational. Off the pitch as well, he’s a really cool guy. It’s good to play with him.”
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)