Arsenal’s youth supremo, Andries Jonker, has lavished praise on Alex Iwobi after the 19 year old caught the eye with the first team this season.

Iwobi has made 8 appearances, getting a run out in every competition so far, and he’s been trusted more than once by Arsene Wenger to play in Mesut Ozil’s position.

He’s moved into the first team dressing room, a rite of passage so to speak, and Jonker is backing the Nigerian international to continue to make an impact.

“Alex is incredibly motivated, dedicated, willing to work and open to listening,” he said.

“He is always trying to improve himself. That makes him a perfect player because, with the talent he has already, he can continue to develop.

“Every now and then we have had players who have attracted attention but I think the one who has succeeded most is Alex Iwobi, who is with the first team now.”

It’s interesting to hear him speak of Iwobi’s willingess to listen, and to compare that to Chuba Akpom who twice this season has had tantrums that left him on the wrong side of Hull manager Steve Bruce.

Every player has their own personality, of course, but maybe there’s something to be read into the fact Iwobi has first team chances this season.