Alex Iwobi: ‘Playing against Barcelona a dream come true’

Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi has confessed that he ‘always dreamt about’ playing against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, having been handed a surprise starting role in this evening’s Champions League tie.

The 19-year-old was preferred to Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell, who both had to settle for a place on the Gunners’ bench in the eventual 5-1 aggregate defeat.

Iwobi looked lively throughout his first European start, even appealing for a penalty when placed under pressure by Javier Mascherano in the opening 45 minutes, but his night was not to be capped with a goal.

Speaking after the match, the youngster told BT Sport: “[Playing here] is something a 19-year-old will always dream of. It was an amazing experience and hopefully I will have more of these in the future.”

Iwobi has now made 13 appearances for Arsenal this season, five of which have come domestically in the Premier League.