Arsene Wenger - England Will Regret Losing Alex Iwobi To Nigeria

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that England will regret losing out on Alex Iwobi to Nigeria following the youngster’s performance against Watford this afternoon.

The 19-year-old made it two goals in as many Premier League starts and also created the opener for Alexis Sanchez to help the Gunners to a comprehensive 4-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Iwobi was eligible to play for England until last week, but opted instead to represent Nigeria in an Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Egypt.

“Every year we bring players out and not many can say that. I’m happy Alex is one of them. He arrived here at the age of seven or eight. He’s completely integrated in the way we want to play football. He’s worked with us since the start of the season and it shows because when he came in he was used to the way we want to play.

“[Confidence is] one of his qualities. He’s also very mobile and is a midfielder with creativity but is also a finisher. The quality of his receptions is very good because he gets into good spaces.”

Arsenal’s victory over Watford saw them close the gap on leaders Leicester City to eight points, with the Foxes not in action until Sunday.

“Is he a loss for England? Yes. We have values in our club that are maybe not rated always, but one of them is to give a chance to young people and educate them,” Wenger told reporters.

“Every year we bring players out and not many can say that. I’m happy Alex is one of them. He arrived here at the age of seven or eight. He’s completely integrated in the way we want to play football. He’s worked with us since the start of the season and it shows because when he came in he was used to the way we want to play.

“[Confidence is] one of his qualities. He’s also very mobile and is a midfielder with creativity but is also a finisher. The quality of his receptions is very good because he gets into good spaces.”

Arsenal’s victory over Watford saw them close the gap on leaders Leicester City to eight points, with the Foxes not in action until Sunday.