Alex Iwobi profile: Who is the Arsenal teenager that scored on his first Premier League start for the Gunners?

The 19-year-old scored on his first Premier League start against Everton

James Orr
Wednesday 16 March 2016 19:45 GMT
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Arsenal's Alex Iwobi
Arsenal's Alex Iwobi (2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)

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Alex Iwobi made his first Premier League start for Arsenal in their crucial trip to Everton as they cling on to their title hopes - and promptly scored his first goal for the club.

But who is the 19-year-old tasked that could yet inspire the Gunners back into the title picture?

Iwobi, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, can play left wing or a striker, and has footballing pedigree in his blood. He is the nephew of former Bolton playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha.

He scored nine goals in his last nine games for the Arsenal Under-21s last season.

Iwobi broke into the Arsenal team for the first time this season, making his debut as a starter in the 3-0 Capital One Cup defeat by Sheffield Wednesday back in October.

He has since made 12 appearances for the Gunners, including four starts in the FA Cup, and the trip to Everton represented his first start in the Premier League. All five of his previous league appearances have been from the bench.

The teenager's only other Champions League appearance before Wednesday's defeat by Barcelona was in the 5-1 thrashing by Bayern Munich last November. He replaced Olivier Giroud with five minutes remaining of that match.

At international level, Iwobi has won two full caps for Nigeria. He had also represented England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 youth levels.

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