In a recent interview with ESPN, Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi was tasked with building his ultimate midfielder. The 27-year-old Nigerian player opted for a mix of legendary footballers, excluding himself from the perfect profile. Notably, Iwobi snubbed French legend Zinedine Zidane, instead choosing attributes from Mesut Ozil, Ngolo Kante, Frank Lampard, Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Toure, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Andrea Pirlo, and Ricardo Kaka.
Iwobi's selection of De Bruyne's vision and Okocha's skills highlights his appreciation for creativity and technique in midfield. De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, is renowned for his exceptional vision and passing ability. Okocha, a Nigerian legend, was known for his exceptional dribbling skills and creativity on the pitch.
Iwobi's ultimate midfielder embodies a perfect blend of finesse, technique, strength, and a balance of midfield and attacking instincts. His selection showcases his understanding of the game and ability to recognize and value the strengths of other players.
While Iwobi's performances for the Super Eagles and Fulham have been criticized by some, his choices demonstrate his adaptability and willingness to learn from others. The criticism he faced after the AFCON 2023 tournament may have been unwarranted, as his performances were likely impacted by playing out of position.