Former Brentford and Nigeria defender Sam Sodje believes Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi deserves plenty of respect for the level of consistency he has shown over the course of his career so far, Footynaija.com reports.
Iwobi came through the ranks at Arsenal, breaking into Arsene Wenger’s first team back in 2015 after proving his worth in the academy. Since then he’s gone on to become a seasoned Premier League player with spells at Everton and now Fulham.
Within that time, Iwobi has also established himself as a vitally important player for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, with his performances at the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations attracting glowing praises from different circles of the footballing world.
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Speaking recently to Footy Africa in a recent interview, Sodje acknowledged Iwobi’s impressive growth over the years and also praised the Fulham star for his impact on the national team since his 2015 debut.
What Sam Sodje said about Alex Iwobi
“I think he has done really well because when he first came to the national team, his ability was questioned because of his uncle (Jay Jay Okocha).
“But I think he has improved so much because of the career he has had in England.”
“I know how tough it is—we have to give him a lot of respect. So him turning 30, you know, he grew up in our face and it’s scary to say he will be 30, but he’s come to be a very experienced and important player for the national team.”
Iwobi, who has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League this season, is currently the Nigerian player with the most number of appearances in England’s top flight and Sodje believes that comes down to one key attribute – discipline.
“That league is a tough league,” added Sodje. “But he has always been a player that plays to a structure, and I think that’s why he has got so many managers that really like him.
“I think his ability alone is not what is getting him where he is. I think his discipline of how to play to a system has made him the player he has become.”
Currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, Iwobi has missed Fulham’s last two Premier League games. However, the Cottagers will be expecting him to return by mid May as they look to close out the season in strong fashion.
