Iwobi, Messi, Neymar, David Silva The Top Four Players In Europe In One Key Offensive Stat

Published: December 19, 2018

Alex Iwobi has often been criticized by Arsenal fans who claim that he does not contribute enough goals and assists, however, a new key offensive stat will puncture their arguments.

According to Football Analytics and Data Science Student Ray Hamill, the Nigeria international is among the top four players for making open play passes into the penalty area per ninety minutes in the big five European Leagues since the start of the 2018-2019 season.

Iwobi is in an illustrious company with Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, PSG's Neymar and Manchester City's David Silva competing the top four in that order.

The Hale End Academy product completes 2.86 passes into the penalty area per ninety minutes.

Messi has completed 4.97 passes per 90 minutes, Neymar 3.73 and third on the list is Silva with 3.35.

Iwobi showcased his passing talents as the Super Eagles thrashed Libya 4-0 in September, setting up the second goal scored by Ighalo following a defense splitting pass and was involved in the build up to Nigeria's opener in the second leg in Sfax.

This season, the 22-year-old has missed only three games played by Arsenal in the Premier League, two as a result of illness.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel