Iwobi - Why tour is so important for young players

Alex Iwobi can remember his first Arsenal tour like it was yesterday.

Called up to Arsene Wenger’s 27-man squad to travel to Asia for the Barclays Asia Trophy, the forward made his debut against a Singapore Select XI and could not believe how vocal our fans were inside the National Stadium.

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“They’re 100 per cent behind us,” he told Arsenal Player. “I didn’t know the fanbase of Arsenal Football Club was that big until we got there. It’s just crazy to know that we have fans all around the world.

“There were fans at the airport, fans at the hotel, just excited to see us. I was like, ‘Oh wow, I’m being recognised in Singapore’ and I didn’t even get that in London! It was just an amazing feeling.”

Along with Chuba Akpom, Daniel Crowley, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Chris Willock and Gedion Zelalem, Iwobi was one of six teenagers named in our Singapore squad, and says this year’s tour will provide the youngsters selected with vital experience.

“Especially for young players, it gives us a chance to go abroad, see what things are like with the first team,” the Nigeria international said. “It also gives us a taste of the first team. As a young player, it’s definitely something you need to experience and take on board for the future.”