Eberechi Eze
Image credit: Getty Images
Eberechi Eze endured a subdued evening in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club on Tuesday night, with former England international Steve McManaman insisting the midfielder must quickly adapt to the demands of Europe’s elite competition.
The 27-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace in a £60 million move late in the summer transfer window, made his Champions League debut at San Mamés after starting against Nottingham Forest at the weekend. While his league outing was steady, Eze struggled to make an impact in Spain.
Mikel Arteta handed Eze a start on the left flank, but with Arsenal’s attack stifled for much of the game, the England international was withdrawn in the 70th minute alongside fellow summer signing Viktor Gyokeres. Their replacements, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, proved decisive, with Martinelli breaking the deadlock and later setting up Trossard to seal the victory.
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McManaman, speaking on TNT Sports, was unimpressed by Eze’s display. “Martinelli did more in five minutes than Eze did in 70 minutes,” he said. “Eze will watch that performance tonight and realise this is a different class of opposition.
Eberechi Eze v Athletic Club
Eberechi Eze made his Champions League debut against Athletic Club (Image credit: Getty Images)
“They’re quicker, stronger than he faced in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, and he knows his level will have to jump up. You’re now playing big-boy football in the Champions League. If you want to compete, you have to be quicker and better than he showed tonight.”
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Despite the criticism, McManaman still believes Eze has the talent to shine for Arsenal, praising the signing before kick-off: “I think it was a magnificent signing. He’s potentially a world superstar. When he plays at the biggest stadiums and in bigger competitions, he will get better.”
Eze could yet have the opportunity to play in his preferred central role, with Martin Odegaard sidelined due to a shoulder injury. However, competition for a starting berth remains fierce, particularly with Martinelli eager to reclaim his spot on the left wing after his match-winning cameo in Bilbao.
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