Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze's Arsenal future is being questioned more than ever before. The England international was given a start on Tuesday night as Arsenal swept aside Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup, winning 4-2 to progress to the fourth round of the competition.
Eze has had to be patient for opportunities, but this summer's events should have created more opportunities for the attacker, but Mikel Arteta now knows Eze's limitations, and it's going to be a problem based on the shape of Arsenal's squad.
Eze was signed as a back-up for Martin Odegaard, who had repeatedly missed time with a troubling ankle injury, and Arsenal simply couldn't replace their skipper. Eze specialises in that attacking midfield role, and he operated brilliantly there for Crystal Palace, helping them to the FA Cup title.
But the reality is that Martin Odegaard is simply a better number 10, and these days, his ankle is getting on just fine. As long as Odegaard is fit, Eze simply isn't going to start in the number 10 role barring rare occasions when Arteta rests his captain.
But the number 10 role wasn't the only role Eze was expected to play. His versatility and ability to play on the left side was also valued when he was snapped up on a £67.5million deal, especially with the Gunners sorely lacking elite talent on the left.
Had Arsenal signed an elite left-winger this summer, it would have been a concern for Eze, but they failed to, and Gabriel Martinelli was also sold, leading to hope of further hope of play time for Eze.
Eze's stats vs Ipswich Town (WhoScored)
Minutes played: 75
Key passes: 1
Assists: 1
Pass success: 87.1%
Touches: 40
Shots: 1
Shots on target: 0
Dribbles: 1
Unsuccessful touches: 2
But the England winger simply hasn't been able to take his chances when playing out wide, looking uncomfortable for the most part, even with his assist on Tuesday night. Eze, in general, looks passive, and some fans have even described his performances as lazy.
Could it be confidence? Could there be something else going on? We won't know, but unless something changes, and significantly, Eze is going to find himself on the bench every week.
Eze vs Wolves
Eze vs Wolves
Arteta is not going to be able to trust the 28-year-old to play out wide, especially not with Christos Tzolis playing better football, and he is the natural number two for the attacking midfield position, and even that may be in doubt if Max Dowman continues to take his opportunities. It's becoming crystal clear to everyone, including Arteta, that Eze's place is on the Arsenal bench.