Express & Star

Afobe: Ian Wright phone call was catalyst

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A phone call from Arsenal legend Ian Wright has helped Wolves' Benik Afobe improve his composure in front of goal.

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The 22-year-old striker has been a revelation since arriving at Molineux in January.

He has notched five goals in seven appearances so far, two of them in the 5-0 thrashing of Rotherham.

One of the strikes on Saturday had the feel of a young Wright – a brilliant curved run and finish.

And Afobe said the Arsenal legend is one of the players he looks up to as he bids to keep improving.

"Ian Wright is someone I have spoken to and I watch clips of him because you've got to take things from other people," Afobe said.

"Before my first game at MK Dons, Karl Robinson (manager) called me into his office and I thought: 'Oh no, what have I done?'

"But Ian Wright was on the phone. He said 'Benik how are you? I want to work with you.

"I believe in you and all the staff have told me great things about you.

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"I don't want to go into exactly what he said, but it was a very positive phone call.

"He is someone I have always looked up to and for him to say he has faith in me and people have told him good things about me is a huge honour."

Afobe now has a staggering 24 goals this season, 19 of them when with the Dons. But despite the fan expectation, the likeable youngster is determined not to let pressure get to him.

"There is pressure, but look at Ronaldo – he scores every week," Afobe said.

"I have to imagine how world-class players feel. They have got the whole world watching them, yet they deliver in World Cup finals and Champions League finals.

"If they can keep consistent, then so can I because they are human beings just like myself."