Alex Iwobi reveals the advice given to him by Arsenal team-mate Mesut Ozil

Former Real Madrid man Ozil recently compared Iwobi to Jay-Jay Okocha and has encouraged him to “play with a smile”, just as his uncle did

Mesut Ozil has encouraged Alex Iwobi to ignore any criticism he may face and express himself freely on the football pitch.

The Nigerian forward, who broke into Arsenal’s first team last season, is enjoying a strong start to the season, and Ozil has taken an interest in the 20-year-old’s development.

Former Real Madrid man Ozil recently compared Iwobi to Jay-Jay Okocha and has encouraged him to “play with a smile”, just as his uncle did.

“Mesut just tells me that I’m young and need to express myself on the pitch,” Iwobi told the cub’s website. “Obviously I need to listen to other people’s advice as well, but he tells me to always play with a smile on my face and enjoy the game.”

Speaking about the comparison to Okocha, he added: “When I saw [his comments] I was like, ‘Wow is he serious?’ because he never really says that much to me. He just gives me advice and help, but it’s such a confidence boost for such a great player to say that about me.”

So, has Owobi’s rise into the first team changed the way he thinks of himself?

“I’m the same kid I used to be,” said Iwobo, “the same kid who used to work hard. There’s a bit of luck as well.

“For me to get that chance and take it like I did, I’m just fortunate and happy to have taken them. I guess it’s luck at the end of the day.”