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Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup (12298582 Views)
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Mickael2(m): 8:53am On Sep 01, 2018 |
SlayerForever: Just imagine Komekn using this same argument to prove that League 1 is better than Dutch league and the type of abuse he will receive. The way we change pur goalposts here eh 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by SlayerForever: 9:03am On Sep 01, 2018 |
TheSuperNerd: If you have a uefa coefficient that ranks both first and second leagues together. Share it. That Portugal is top 7 doesn't mean they're second league is good please. Talk less of been better than Scotland. So in essence,Nwakali in Portugal 2nd division is developing better than Ejaria in Rangers,playing Scottish League & Europa League. Haahahaha. I laugh. 4 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by SlayerForever: 9:10am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Mickael2: Well,for the records I've never attacked Komekn on his arguments. And for a reason. Komekn is not always wrong actually. Komekn can be very unashamedly bias (especially towards English football) but atimes his judgement is right,especially when he's talking player development and league strength. Mind you,league 1 is not better than Dutch league,that one na lie. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 9:13am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Portugal is Top 7 in Europe and the world. It is definitely leagues above, way above and classes above Scotland and Norway languishing in numbers 21 and 24 respectively. That is the amazing fact no matter whether you agree or not. Portuguese 2nd tier is obviously better than those two as a whole but certainly Rangers and Celtic rank higher than several teams in Portuguese 2nd tier same way even Shakhtar Donetsk ranks higher than some La Liga teams despite having the Ukraine league being number 8 in Europe with La liga as Number 1. The fact also remains that K.Nwakali is featuring for the second team of Portugal's number 1 elite side in Ledman liga Pro (Portuguese 2nd tier). This is a side that actually won the Portuguese 2nd tier league in 2015/2016 (in 2016, just two years ago) but cannot be promoted because you cannot have two sides of same team in The Top Flight. Last season, they even finished Seventh out of 24 teams. SlayerForever: 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by SlayerForever: 9:23am On Sep 01, 2018 |
TheSuperNerd: Oh I actually know Porto B quite well. They're a good side. No P sha. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Joebie: 9:33am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Kai, C.Nwakali permanent move to Poland division 2 side? This one weak me o. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Mickael2(m): 9:39am On Sep 01, 2018 |
SlayerForever: Obviously League 1 is not better than the dutch league, but saying the Portuguese division 2 is better than the Scottish league is even more absurd |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by SlayerForever: 9:48am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Mickael2: Hahaaha. Don't make my food miss road please. I've stated my points,Supernerd has. We'll let it be. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Mickael2(m): 9:55am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Joebie: They are actually a good team, by next season he would be playing in the first tier I can assure you and by then it would be an awesome decision. 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 9:56am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Lol... A few folks here are truly clownish. So saying EFL league Two is better and higher than German Bundesliga 2 is neither absurd nor downright shitty but affirming a truth that Portuguese Ledman Liga Pro is higher than both Norway and Scotland backed up with UEFA Coefficients and logical facts is absurb right? The height of Hypocritical nonsense some folks promote here... Lol... Reason why I don't engage or take many here seriously. Hate it, run from it, ignore it or argue it.. but the fact remains that nos 21- and 24-rated leagues are way below the second divisions of the top 7 leagues in Europe. Finito. 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 9:58am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Nigerian players transfer business for 2018/2019 (Summer 2018) - Part 1 Goalkeepers: Francis Odinaka Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain on season long loan to Elche CF, Spain) David Nwokolor (HNK Rijeka, Croatia on loan to SKF Served, Slovakia). Detan Ogundare, Flying Eagles Goalie (Kogi Utd, Nigeria to FK Shkupi, Macedonia). Edward Ogbebor-Onaiwu (AFC Wimbledon, England.. terminated contract and joined new club on free transfer terms... To... Stevenage, England). Dele Aiyenugba (Hapoel Ashkelon, Israel to Hapoel Iksal -One year deal) Gavin Bazunu (Shamrock Rovers, Ireland to Manchester City FC, England)- To be officially sealed in January 2019. Deal struck this window of summer 2018. Defenders: Leon Balogun (Mainz 05, Germany to Brighton Hove and Albion, England). William Troost Ekong (Bursaspor, Turkey to Udinese Calcio, Italy). Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, Holland.. free transfer to SL Benfica, Portugal). Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia to Locomotiv Moscow, Russia). Ola Aina (Chelsea FC, England on season long loan (with €8million permanent purchase option) to Torino FC, Italy) Fikayo Tomori (Chelsea FC, England on season long loan to Derby County, England) Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England on season long loan (with €5million permanent purchase option) to CD Leganes, Spain). Musa Mohammed (Istanbul baseksehir, Turkey to HNK Gorica, Croatia). Midhat Bajric (Nuremberg, Germany to TSG Hoffenheim, Germany) Niyi Scholten (Ajax Armsterdam, Holland U-17s to Vitesse Arnhem, Holland Youth). Stanley Amuzie (Sampdoria, Italy to FC Lugano, Switzerland). Marc Bola (Formerly of Arsenal Youth, Free transfer to Blackpool, England). Kimberly Ezekwem (FC Bayern Munich, Germany to SC Freiburg, Germany) Aliyu Abubakar (PS Kemi, Finland to FC Slutsk, Belarus) Tosin Adarabioyo (Manchester City, England on season long loan to West Bromwich Albion, England) Tayo Edun (Fulham, England on season long loan to Ipswich Town, England) Moses Odubajo (Hull City, England via free transfer to Brentford, England - one year deal with option of a further year). Junior Pius (Tondela, Portugal To Pacos de Ferreira, Portugal). Ahogrenashinme "Ash" Kigbu (Manchester City, England to Wolfsberger AC, Austria). Michael Ihiekwe (Rotherham Utd, England on five-month loan deal - till January 2019- to Accrington Stanley FC, England). Alma Wakili (FK Shkëndija, Macedonia to FK Partizani, Albania). Josh Emmanuel (Ipswich Town, England on season long loan to Shrewsbury Town, England). 1 Like 2 Shares |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by SlayerForever: 10:08am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Mickael2: Oh please. Poland football is wack. Bye bye to Chidi. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 10:09am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Nigerian players transfer business for 2018/2019 (Summer 2018) - Part 2 Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal to Stoke City, England). Kelechi Nwakali (Arsenal, England on season long loan to FC Porto, Portugal - Starting out with Porto B). Alhassan Abdullahi "MuaZam" (Austria Vienna, Austria to CD Nacional, Portugal). Oviemuno Ejaria (Liverpool FC, England on season long loan to Glasgow Rangers, Scotland). Keanan Bennetts (Tottenham, England to Borussia Mochengladbach, Germany) *versatile and can play at LB too. Noni Madueke (Tottenham Youth, England to PSV Eindhoven Youth - U-17s, Holland) Kingsley Dogo Michael (Bologna, Italy on season long loan to SC Perugia, Italy). Hope Akpan (Burton Albion, England to Bradford City, England). Tosin Kehinde (Manchester Utd _U-23s, England to CD Feirense, Portugal). Mikel Agu (FC Porto, Portugal on season long loan to Vitoria Setubal, Portugal). Gavi Thompson (signed to Stumbras, Lithuania). Ryan Sanusi (Sparta Rotterdam, Holland to Grenoble, France: He had the best tackling stats in the Dutch eredivisie for the 2017/2018 season). Obiora Nwankwo (Last club: Apo Levadiakos, Greece Free transfer to Boavista FC, Portugal). Alhassan Yusuf (FC Hearts, Nigeria to IFK Goteborg, Sweden) Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy linked to Chievo Verona, Italy) John Chibuike (Samsunspor, Turkey free transfer to FC Irtysh Pavlodar, Kazakhstan). Ayo Simon Okosun (AC Horsens, Denmark to FC Midtjylland, Denmark) - CM, also play RW and CF. Raphael Ayagwa (Plateau Utd, Nigeria to Lillestrom, Norway). James Igbekeme (Gil Vicente, Portugal... Free transfer to Real Zaragoza, Spain). Azubuike Okechukwu (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey to Pyramids FC, Egypt). Christian Madu (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria to CD Nacional, Portugal). Paul Onobi (Al Nasr, Oman on free transfer to Al Nojoom FC, Saudi Arabia). Henry Chimuchem Okebugwu (Egnatia, Albania to FK Partizani, Albania- Free transfer). Fred Onyedimma (Millwall FC, England on loan to Wycombe Wanderers, England- till January). Josh Onomah (Tottenham Hotspurs, England on season long loan to Sheffield Wednesday FC, England). Chidiebere Nwakali (Manchester City U-23s, England to Rakow Czestochowa, Poland). 1 Like 2 Shares |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 10:15am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Nigerian players transfer business for 2018/2019 (Summer 2018) - Part 3 Forwards: Olarenwaju Kayode (Man City. England to Shahktar Donetsk, Ukraine). Taiwo Awoniyi (Liverpool, England on season long loan to KAA Gent, Belgium). Ahmed Musa (Leicester City FC, England to Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia) Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium to UD Levante, Spain). Samuel Kalu (KAA Gent, Belgium to Girondins Bordeaux, France) Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel beer sheva, Israel to Trabzonspor, Turkey) Arnaut Groeneveld Danjuma (NEC Nijmegen, Holland to Club Brugge, Belgium). Victor Osimhen (VFL Wolfsburg, Germany on season long loan to RSC Charleroi, Belgium). Peter Olayinka (KAA Gent, Belgium to SK Slavia Prague, Czech Rep.) Bright Osagie Edomwonyi (Rizespor, Turkey to Austria Vienna aka Austria Wien, Austria) Adeleke Akinyemi (Ventspils, Latvia to IK Start, Norway). Babajide David Akintola (FC Midtjylland, Denmark on loan to FK Haugesund, Norway) Sammy Ameobi (Renewed contract and extended stay at Bolton Wanderers). Sadiq Umar (AS Roma, Italy on season long loan to Glasgow Rangers, Scotland). Henry Onyekuru (Everton, England on season long loan to Galatasaray, Turkey) Hillary Gong (AS Trencin, Slovakia To Vitesse Arnhem, Holland). Phillip Azango Elayo (AS Trencin, Slovakia to KAA Gent, Belgium). Oluwaseyi "Sheyi" Ojo (Liverpool FC, England on season long loan to Stade De Reims, France). Ike Ugbo (Chelsea FC, England on season long loan to Scunthorpe Utd, England). **Tammy Abraham (Chelsea FC, England on season long loan to Aston Villa FC, England). Habeeb Adelakun (Scunthorpe Utd, England to Bristol City, England). Bright Enobohkare (Wolverhampton Wolves, England on season long loan to Kilmarnock, Scotland). Armstrong Oko-flex - LW, RW, CF (Arsenal, England To Celtic, Scotland). Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars, Nigeria to Difaa El-Jadida, Morocco). Osayemen Osawe - CF (FC Kaiserlautern, Germany to FC Ingolstadt, Germany). Festy Ebosele - FW (Bray Wanderers to Derby County, England). Joel Asoro (Sunderland FC, England to Swansea City FC, England). David Osaretin Agbontohoma (Arsenal FC, England to Southampton FC, England). Roland Idowu (To Southampton, England). Chikeluba Ofoedu (Eskisehirspor, Turkey to Maccabi Tell Aviv, Israel). Abiola Dauda (Atromitos, Greece Free Transfer to Giresunspor, Turkey). Imoh Ezekiel (Formerly of UD Las Palmas, Spain.. Free transfer to KV Kortrijk, Belgium) Moses Peter Eneji (Plateau utd, Nigeria to AS Trencin, Slovakia). Yamen Tenton (Akwa Utd, Nigeria to AS Trencin, Slovakia). Chisom Elvis Chikatara (Wydad Casablanca, Morocco to El-Gouna, Egypt). Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi (Free Agent, formerly of Bolton Wanderers on short term deal from Mar 3, 2018... Summer Free Transfer to IF Elfsborg, Sweden). Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor, Turkey on season long loan to Caykur Rizespor, Turkey) Blessing Eleke (FC Ashdod, Israel to FC Luzern, Switzerland). Igwe Uzo (Gee-Lec Academy, Nigeria to Hapoel Ranana, Israel) Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers, USA to FC Cicinnati, USA) Chuba Akpom (Arsenal, England to Paok Saloniki, Greece). *Taofiq Jibril (Vila Real, Portugal to Portimonense, Portugal) - made Portugal top flight (Liga NoS) bow on August 18, '18. Christian Pyagbara (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria to Damac FC, Saudi Arabia). Lukas Nmecha (Manchester City, England on season long loan to Preston North End FC, England). Suleiman Abdullahi (Eintracht Braunschweig, Germany on season long loan (with option to buy) to Union Berlin, Germany) Alhaji Gero (Ostersunds, Sweden to Esteghlal FC, Iran). Yaro Zakari (Vizela, Portugal on season long loan to Egypt's Nogoom El Mostakbal FC). 1 Like 2 Shares |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 10:20am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Nigerian players transfer business for 2018/2019 (Summer 2018) - Part 4 Forwards: Josh Umerah (Charlton Athletics FC, England on loan to Boreham Wood, England) Moses Ubong Ekpai (FC Zlin, Czech Republic to Viktoria Plzen, Czech republic). Uche Ikpeazu (Last Club: Cambridge Utd, England... Free transfer to Hearts FC, Scotland). Olufela Olomola (Southampton, England to Scunthorpe Utd, England - free transfer. And then on deadline day, Loaned to Yeovil Town from Scunthorpe till January). Aliko Bala (Zulte Waregem, Belgium on season long loan to Hapoel Marmorek, Israel) Adeleke Akinola Akinyemi (Ventspils, Latvia to IK Start, Norway). Gabriel Okechukwu (Akwa utd, Nigeria to Wydad Casablanca, Morocco). Chisom Chikatara (Wydad Casablanca, Morocco to El-Gouna, Egypt). Gbolahan Salami (Irtysh Pavlodar, Kazakhstan to Denizlipor, Turkey). Benjamin Kuku (Sepsi, Romania via Free transfer to Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel). Onoriode Odah (Mirbat FC, Oman via Free Transfer to Enppi, Egypt). Marvin Egho (FC Spartak Trnava, Slovakia to Randers FC, Denmark). Franklyn Akammadu (US Alessandria, Italy on season long loan to Tranmere Rovers, England). Joseph Akpala (KV Oostende, Belgium to Al Faisaly FC, Saudi Arabia). Bartholomew Ogbeche (Willem II, Holland to NorthEast Utd, India). Kingsley Eduwo (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia on loan to Al-Najaf FC, Iraq). Fatai Kehinde (UFA, Russia to Dinamo Minsk, Belarus). Shuaibu Lalle Ibrahim (FK Haugesund, Norway on loan to Kongsvinger, Norway). Godfrey Abonti Nieketien (**Signed to Hapoel Hadara, Israel). Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy via free transfer to KF Tirana, Albania). Chiedozie Ogbene (Brentford, England on season long loan to Exeter City, England- till January) Others: Michael Olakigbe (QPR, England to Fulham FC, England) Ayo Tanimowo (Norwich City, England to Brighton Hove and Albion, England) Elijah Adebayo (Fulham, England sent on season long loan to Swindon Town, England) Macaulay Chrisantus (Real Murcia, Spain to HJK Helsinki, Finland). FW Okiki Afolabi, formerly of Sunshine stars (Jimma ABA Jiffar, Ethiopia to Ismaily SC, Egypt). FW 3 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 10:26am On Sep 01, 2018 |
TheSuperNerd: Pyagbara moved to Damac FC in Saudi. He went to Tunisia but didn't spend up to a month there. |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by TheSuperNerd(m): 10:29am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Woah... So he moved again? Na wa. Okay thanks Marvellous Basco. Lemme update. Modified: Done. ![]() BascoVanVeli: 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by darkelf: 10:41am On Sep 01, 2018 |
1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by MetalJigsaw(m): 10:54am On Sep 01, 2018 |
krattoss:its good to be back |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by gamaliel9: 11:02am On Sep 01, 2018 |
I saw Gavi Thompson....kai....former u20 to Lithuania ...mbanu....who did this to our Paul Scholes"? |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 11:04am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Mickael2: Here, some people don't know how to access player's progression either in a positive or negative way. I have seen lots of Nigerian players that excelled in division two progressed to top leagues. Even Griezmann progressed from division 2 and played in la Liga for 4 years before he was noticed by Athletico Madrid. The likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Olanrewaju Kayode, Olaitan Michael etc moved from division 2 to big teams after they distinguished themselves. The point is, if Chidi Nwakali gets regular play time and by any means distinguises himself with Motm and help his team get promotion to the polish first tier, he could be noticed by a top club in Poland league playing in Europe. Once, he distinguishes himself with such club and in Europe, he will be noticed by a big team. His personal input in the team success is paramount in getting a better club. Of course, I don't expect him to get a call up to play for the super eagles because there are players doing better than him in better leagues. This has always been my problem with the team selection when better players are by passed for struggling ones. As it stands, Kelechi Nwakali doesn't DESERVE to be called for a national duty based on the fact that there are players doing better than him in a better league. Fact He may be in a better position to revive his career but he has done nothing wow to have deserved to be called this time and even at the time he was called. He is in the team because he could bride his way in. EOD Those supporting his inclusion doesn't love the national team. They hyped Iheanachonaldo reach heaven but we all saw wetin happen. Now, dem wan deceive me again with KC. ![]() 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by andrew444(m): 11:14am On Sep 01, 2018 |
forgiveness: I agree with everything you said. Griezman help Real sociedad gain promotion,now look at where he is today There is always room for improvement for young players |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Earthquake1: 11:22am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Iheanacho needs to score today against Liverpool 3 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by andrew444(m): 11:37am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Earthquake1: He is on the bench 3 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Earthquake1: 11:40am On Sep 01, 2018 |
andrew444: Wow, more like how Conte treated Bastuayi No Vardy, substitute striker could not even make the first team |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by Nobody: 11:46am On Sep 01, 2018 |
andrew444:where he belongs ![]() |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by tbaba1234: 11:52am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Bournemouth goalkeeper, Joseph Ayomide Oluwabusola was part of the 20 players selected by Manu Garba for his under 17 team going to the west African Tourney. 5 Likes |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by forgiveness: 11:54am On Sep 01, 2018 |
TheSuperNerd: No doubt about it that Portuguese Liga is higher than Scotland and Norway league but if all the teams in Segunda Liga play in Scotland league with Rangers, Celtics, Aberdeen, Hibernian, Heart of Midlothian etc I don't think dey have the financial power to remain in the Scottish league. Most will go into relegation. How many of those Segunda Liga team are rated by UEFA coefficient? How many are performing or had performed in a UEFA organized competition? For your information, only one club in that lowly league is rated by UEFA coefficient. ![]() This is the snapshots showing the calibre of teams in the Segunda Liga you think is better than the Scottish teams. What an irony! ![]()
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Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by safarigirl(f): 11:56am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Liverpool abeg destroy Leicester for me I got Mane Alisson and Van Dijk on my FPL, put Kelechi on the bench ![]() 1 Like |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by andrew444(m): 11:56am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Earthquake1: How did conte threaten batshuayi ? |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by andrew444(m): 11:57am On Sep 01, 2018 |
safarigirl: Lol,wetin FPL mean abeg ,say na fantasy? |
Re: "The Super Eagles Thread: The Road To AFCON 2023, 2025 And 2026 World Cup by BascoVanVeli(m): 11:57am On Sep 01, 2018 |
Arsenal: Has Alex Iwobi earned a start against Cardiff City? by Josh Sippie When you look at Arsenal’s wealth of creative attacking options, Alex Iwobi is not at the top. That said, has he earned more than the rest? Arsenal fans were more than a bit aghast when Alex Iwobi’s name appeared on the starting XI against Chelsea. His name prevented both Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette from being included and that was grounds for immediate outrage. It didn’t have a chance to last long, though. While Iwobi didn’t end up playing the whole game, for the time that he did have, he actually spent it quite well. Not only did he score that crucial goal that helped the Gunners get level (before inevitably losing) but he was also just a positive influence on the match as a whole. He was rewarded by being handed another start against West Ham. Rewarded, as in “Ozil has that mystery illness again.” By my estimations, it sounds like Mesut Ozil was going to be moved into a wide position to flank Ramsey as the No. 10. This might even be where the mystery illness sprouted from, a lack of desire to play anything other than a No. 10. But I digress. Whatever the case, Iwobi was given more time in the starting XI and, sure enough, he played well. He wasn’t a magic man out there, but in his capacity, he had a much more positive impact on proceedings than he did negative. As such, with Cardiff City up next, I actually considered whether or not Iwobi had earned a third consecutive start, which would leave either Ozil or Ramsey on the bench. Unai Emery clearly believes in the young Nigerian. Same as Arsene Wenger did. Same as all of us fans did (and hopefully still do). He has so much talent that he just can’t seem to pull all the way in and harness. But with the “elderly” state of this attacking midfield, the sooner the club can get younger without sacrificing anything, the better. I’d be inclined to make the argument that Iwobi has been better than both Ozil and Mkhitaryan, neither of whom has seen much of their best form, if they’ve even seen any of it. By the standards that Emery is setting, that seems to mean that Iwobi could indeed be in line for a start or, if not, an early substitution when one or the other creative attackers inevitably goes awry. Maybe this faith can finally get Iwobi over those final obstacles. Or maybe we’re just beating our heads against the proverbial wall. Exposure will help us find out, regardless. https://paininthearsenal.com/2018/09/01/arsenal-alex-iwobi-earned-start/ |
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