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'I play every game like it’s my last'

Alex Iwobi in action against Hull
Alex Iwobi in action against Hull

Chances come at a premium at the top level and when they come you have to take them. Alex Iwobi knows that as well as anyone.

A rapid rise from Steve Gatting's under-21 side saw Iwobi propelled into the first team in October 2015, and now he is fully focused on keeping hold of his place.

"Honestly I didn't expect to be where I am today," Iwobi told Arsenal Player. "I thought a long time ago that I'd be on loan and probably get experience there before having experience in the first team, but the fact that the boss trusted me to jump into the first team as quick as I did, I'm just grateful for it.

 "The same way I was able to break into it is the same way that I take the chance now.

"I play like it's almost like my last game, I treat it like it's my last moment here, so I do my best and I always put 100 per cent into whatever I do.

Iwobi understands the pressures that come with being a member of our first team, with a plethora of quality players all vying for a spot in the starting line-up.

"If you don't do as well as you think you could've done, there's other players, other international, great players, that can just step in," he said. "So you just have to take the chance all the time and do your best when the time comes.

"The big thing is you need to stay fit and always need to give it your all. I mean, you've got to have the right attitude, you've got to be mentally prepared for whatever happens.

"Not everything is going to be smooth sailing for you so you've got to be prepared for all conditions."