Alex Iwobi says one Arsenal player stunned him in training: "He's a joke..."

Former Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has heaped praise upon Gunners star Reiss Nelson, following his moment of magic against Bournemouth.

Despite only featuring four times for Mikel Arteta this term, Nelson produced a potentially title-defining moment against Bournemouth, scoring a dramatic late winner in Arsenal's 3-2 win.

The Gunners have since calved out an eight-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, despite having played one more game than their nearest title rivals.

With 10 matches still to go until the end of the campaign, only time will tell how crucial Nelson's contribution really was.

But Iwobi, who spent seven years with Arsenal before moving to Everton in 2019, has since raved about the 23-year-old's abilities.

Iwobi: He's a joke

Speaking on the Beautiful Game podcast, the Nigeria international claimed Nelson is a ‘joke’ in training sessions.

“He’s another Arsenal product. He’s another one in training like. He’s a joke in training. With him like, he just has that raw street ability. I have to give it to him as someone who has been patient,” Iwobi said.

“Every time he’s come on to play, he’s delivered. I think he’s been the most impactful sub. For someone to be able to do that and not play regularly and have that elite mindset, I have to rate it.”

Should Arsenal go on to lift the Premier League title, Nelson will need to play in one more match to ensure he is eligible for a winners' medal, needing five appearances under his belt to qualify.

Arteta: We need him

However, Arteta will no doubt call on the winger before the season is up, having revealed the club "need him".

Discussing his heroic performance against Bournemouth, Arteta couldn't speak highly enough of the Englishman.

“It was an extraordinary day and a beautiful experience at the end," said Arteta.

"Dramatic, but worth living it because there was the greatest end to it.

“I always saw the potential, the talent and the desire for him [Nelson] to do it but he’s at a different level right now,” Arteta added.

“I think emotionally, the experiences that he had helped him. He was knocking on the door, he’s been training really well and it’s a good lesson for me and for the coaches that we need him.”

Topics: Arsenal, Alex Iwobi, Mikel Arteta, Football, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno