Super Eagles striker Alex Iwobi has surprisingly named French midfielder Francis Coquelin as one of his main mentors at English Premier League club Arsenal.
Iwobi has recorded a meteoric rise at the north London club since he broke into the first team last season.
The Nigeria international looks to be one of the most promising talents in the Premier League at the moment since his breakthrough, and has named the stars who have helped him most during this time.
Iwobi revealed that Jack Wilshere, currently on loan at AFC Bournemouth, was key to his professional development, but named Coquelin as the player who has now taken on that role.
“(My biggest influence) would probably be Jack Wilshere, but he has not been around recently.
“He talks to me off the pitch because he has been through the same system as me, I just watch what he does – especially as I grew up as a No 10 and he’s a No 10,” Iwobi told the club’s official website.
Iwobi noted that Coquelin is always looking out for the positives of his game as well as areas that need polishing, with the aim of making him a more rounded professional.
“Now I would say it is Francis Coquelin (taking on the role of mentor), he is always talking to me.
“After the Watford game (which Arsenal lost 2-1 despite Iwobi’s goal scoring heroics), he told me what I did well, and what I need to improve on.
“He’s definitely one who keeps me in check,” he said.
Iwobi has scored three times in 20 league games this season for Arsenal.
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