klexycole:


I hope Humility is reading this, because one time he's supporting Rohr, the other time he's calling him a failure. One time he's calling for Kelechi's removal from the squad, the other time, he's opposing his removal.

Some people don't just know what they want.

BascoVanVeli:
Arsenal: The time is now to move Alex Iwobi to central midfield



by Nikesh Teckwani4 days agoFollow @nteckwani24

Pain in the Arsenal


Arsenal have already been strongly linked to several wingers this offseason, making now the opportune time to move Alex Iwobi into central midfield.

Alex Iwobi, who joined Arsenal while still in primary school, has been one of the most polarizing figures at the club in recent years. While most fans still cheer on the Academy graduate, there have been constant frustrations about his lack of end-product and quality in the final third of the pitch.

The importance of having clinical wide players is obvious when looking up the table, and it is arguably Arsenal’s biggest need this summer.

Manchester City have Sterling, Sane, and Mahrez; Liverpool have Salah, Mane, and Shaqiri; and, although they lost Hazard, Chelsea still have a solid blend of youth and experience with Christian Pulisic joining the likes of Pedro, Willian, and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The fact of the matter is that Arsenal never truly replaced Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, all whom have departed in the last two seasons.

The failure to address this gaping hole in the squad forced a reliance on Iwobi to perform in a position where he clearly doesn’t thrive. This ultimately led Unai Emery to utilize wingbacks far more frequently towards the end of the season in an effort to bring at least some width to the side.

Iwobi’s five goals and eight assists in all competitions were an improvement, but those numbers are still a far cry from what is needed at this level. It is therefore no surprise at all to see this club linked with more natural wingers like Yannick Carrasco and Ryan Fraser.

While Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are the preferred midfield starters, Emery may want to experiment more with his favored 4-3-3 formation next season. With Aaron Ramsey gone, a new midfield signing is on the agenda, but Iwobi should also be in contention.

He may never be a prolific goalscorer, but Iwobi still has many excellent attributes; he brings much needed pace and energy to the team and is one of the very few natural ball carriers in the squad. These qualities can be especially vital if Xhaka remains a starter, given his obvious lack of mobility.

Therefore, due to the balance he can bring to the midfield, Iwobi should certainly be ahead of youngsters like Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock in the pecking order.

In short, Arsenal have misused Iwobi for too long; the vast majority of the Nigerian’s first-team appearances have come from the wing or in a wide attacking midfield role.

Adding natural width to the squad this summer therefore takes on an added significance, as it should give Emery the freedom to use players like Iwobi in their most suited positions and hopefully unlock their full potential.

At 23-years-old and now entering his fifth season as a member of the first-team, it is time for Alex Iwobi to seize the moment

Icon4s:


Unfortunately Emery has not offloaded Ozil who to me a great liability to the club.

Icon4s:


A team that finishes 4th also plays 7matches

Curtisaxel7:


Lol. Now I am convinced that Rohr is a member of this thread.

Is it a coincidence that we criticized him for making deafeatist statements just yesterday and today he issued another statement making a complete U- turn?.

Icon4s:


I think the so much exposure to European football has brought us to this realization. U are unconsciosly comparing African players with European and South American players. We are not at par.

This is the African nations' Cup don't expect too much attack and Fire power. A competition that is usually characterized by numerous goaless draws and Penalty shoot outs.

Look at even the recent friendlies results: So many 0:0 and 1:0 results.

Curtisaxel7:


Lol. Now I am convinced that Rohr is a member of this thread.

Is it a coincidence that we criticized him for making deafeatist statements just yesterday and today he issued another statement making a complete U- turn?.

jihday:
exactly my thought, that's why I don't think this 24-man team is a good idea, we'll just be getting lots of 0-0 1-0 and 1-1 score lines

zayyadidris:
Does it mean as its closed door, it won't be broadcasted or people won't be allowed into the stadium or both?

Humility017:


I want the AFCON trophy.
rohr and his guys better win or steal the trophy...which ever one I just WANT the trophy

zayyadidris:
Does it mean as its closed door, it won't be broadcasted or people won't be allowed into the stadium or both?

Icon4s:


The truth is, African teams are not far apart from each other anymore.

There are no stand out teams. Matches involving teams in the top 10 can easily go either ways.

We have come to a stage where teams like Nigeria, Ghana, CIV can longer push aside teams like Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Teams we used to trash 3:0 - 4:0 even in AFCONs.

Good thing is the 2019 tournament is to be staged in Egypt where they have good pitches. Maybe that would help the better teams express themselves better.

jihday:
hopefully, the 2006 tournament was exciting

elyte89:
..chriskel over to u

ChrisKels:


The look on his face though

Dude is looking disappointed in him own selfish due to his failures to hit target. This pic was taken after he missed that chance against Argentina.

Curtisaxel7:


Lol. Now I am convinced that Rohr is a member of this thread.

Is it a coincidence that we criticized him for making deafeatist statements just yesterday and today he issued another statement making a complete U- turn?.

Humility017:


I want the AFCON trophy.
rohr and his guys better win or steal the trophy...which ever one I just WANT the trophy

SARS, here's the guy! Arrest him!

klexycole:

SARS, here's the guy! Arrest him!

Earthquake3:
Thailand have already conceded one in 5 minutes

Poor girls

DrLikita12:
Kano State U13s
Pictures are from the NFF IG handle

[img]
https://www.nairaland.com/attachments/9637891_20190616103253_jpegb8220562ff275fbeb194a39c7c6a0fd1 [/img]

Earthquake3:
Is it possible that this boy is U12

Icon4s:


A team that finishes 4th also plays 7matches

Earthquake3:
Do you make money from Fantasy premier league

I want to start it, cc Safarigirl

safarigirl:
i haven't tried that route, however, people make money off it. There are certain groups people join for the FPL that have prize money and sometimes, people stake bets

Are you on Twitter?

Earthquake3:


Yes