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Alex Iwobi 'proud' of rise through Arsenal ranks

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Alex Iwobi insists he's focused on only getting better and keeping his place in the Arsenal side

Alex Iwobi has admitted to feeling "proud" of the way he has risen through the Arsenal ranks to become a regular starter under Arsene Wenger this season.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a whirlwind start to his Arsenal career since making his senior debut last October in a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup

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This season, Iwobi - who made his Premier League debut against Swansea last October - has been a regular in Arsenal's attack alongside Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott, helping the Gunners to third in the Premier League table.

And Iwobi, speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ, is delighted with the start he's made to his career at the Emirates.

"I was looking at Hector [Bellerin] because he was someone who was near enough my age," Iwobi said.

HULL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal (R) celebrates creating his sides first goal with Theo Walcott of Arsenal  during the Premier League ma
Image: Iwobi (right) has three assists to his name so far this season

"I was looking at the way he did it and I thought maybe I'd have to go out on loan to get experience like he did.

"I looked up to a few guys and I wanted to do it like them but the fact I did it a different way, I'm proud of that.

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"Every time I played for the U18s or the U21s, I just tried to perform to the best of my abilities and do the best I could," he added.

"Whether I got the chance to play with the first team or train with the first team, I always tried to do my best.

"Where I am today is just crazy."

Alex Iwobi
Image: Iwobi is congratulated by Arsene Wenger after his man-of-the-match display against Chelsea

Iwobi's excellent early season form has added an extra dimension to Arsenal's attack, but despite his promising start, he is keen to prove he can perform at the highest level week in, week out.

"I want to keep being consistent in my performance," Iwobi said.

"I believe I'm doing well so far but you are only as good as your last performance. Each game I'm trying to prove to the world and to myself that I can maintain that level of performance."

Alex Iwobi is closed down by Dean Marney
Image: Iwobi is closed down by Dean Marney during Arsenal's 1-0 win at Burnley

"The more I'm progressing I'm looking at what's ahead and what I need to do to reach my goals and targets. I don't have time to reflect on the past, I'm trying to prepare for the future."

Arsenal face Swansea on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium looking for a sixth successive Premier League victory.

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Watch a preview of Saturday's Premier League fixtures, including Leicester's trip to Chelsea

The Swans travel to north London with a new manager in American Bob Bradley, but Iwobi is confident his side can come away with victory

Iwobi said: "Swansea been doing okay this season but unfortunately for them they've not been getting the points that they want.

"I'm sure under the new manager they'll have new ideas and we'll have to analyse them well and come out with three points."

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