Alex Iwobi has backed Arsene Wenger to silence his critics ahead of Saturday's north London derby against Tottenham.
The Arsenal boss signed a two-year deal in the summer despite fan unrest but has come under fire again following a stuttering start to the season.
However, Iwobi insists Wenger still has the support inside the dressing room ahead of the crunch clash against Spurs this weekend.
He told Soccer Laduma: "I think he is a very good man. He is very patient. Wherever he goes, there are going to be critics. He is getting these comments, but I think he is dealing with it very well. He is focused on the next job, on the next game.
"He doesn’t really let the critics get to him. At the end of the day, fans are entitled to say what they want to say. But the coach keeps on pushing. He is well respected and everyone has his back."
After progressing through the ranks, Iwobi admits he thought his days at the Emirates were numbered, but has forced his way into Wenger's first-team plans.
He added: "Growing up as a kid, there were times when I thought I was going to get released. But my mum and dad were always there to help. I have had some difficult times and, without my family and my uncle, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
"Considering the difficult path that I have had, my Arsenal career has been amazing. I’m on a good way. However, I’m still young and I have got a long way to go."
Obviously, my aim is to win titles, to win different competitions. There is still a lot more to do. I just have to wait and see and be patient. I just love the game, I love to keep going and that’s what I’ll be doing."
Iwobi made the controversial call to opt to play international football for Nigeria in 2015 despite featuring in England's youth teams.
The Lagos-born star has admitted he was torn over the decision, though his family, including his uncle and former Bolton star Jay-Jay Okocha, played a pivotal role in the switch.
The 21-year-old has scored four times in 14 caps and highlights his experience with the Under-23s as crucial to his final choice.
"I was growing up in England and England was the only national team I knew, so I was actually very pleased to play at national level," Iwobi said.
"However, my family are all from Nigeria, I was born in Nigeria, my uncle (Jay-Jay Okocha) is a legend in Nigeria.
"That's why I thought I would give it a chance. That's why I went to the U23s and somehow felt more welcome, and I thought it's where I belong, so I made the decision to switch."
Iwobi has emerged as a key man for Salisu Yusuf's side, scoring twice in the 4-2 win over Argentina and will now hope to nail down a regular spot in Arsene Wenger's side to go into the tournament in form.