Eberechi Eze played 90 minutes for England against Czech Republic on Tuesday night.
He started on the left wing before shifting into a more central midfield role for the final 20 minutes or so, the position Thomas Tuchel used him in twice at the World Cup. England won 3-0 and it was a solid, purposeful performance from a player who came into this international break with a point to prove.
After the game, speaking to Football Daily, Eze was asked directly whether he prefers the left wing or a more central role.
“I don’t really mind, to be honest. I feel like they’re both different. They both have pros and cons and there’s different challenges in both positions.
“I enjoy both of them. I enjoy finding space and finding ways to score and assist and to create things. So yeah, I really enjoy both. Honestly, I don’t really mind.”
Of course, Christos Tzolis is expected to miss at least the next couple of games with a hamstring injury, taking away Arsenal’s primary left-wing option. Eze is the most natural replacement, but he hasn’t always thrived there. There is the feeling, though, that there is huge unfulfilled potential in that role.
The question has always been whether Eze sees himself as a left winger or whether he would rather play centrally, where he is arguably most effective. But his own words suggest he doesn’t actually mind and that he will play wherever he is needed. Maybe he is just saying that, though.
Either way, Arsenal desperately need Eze to step up and claim that left-wing spot, especially now that Tzolis is out. The fact that he is willing to play there is one thing, but we need him to really deliver there.
He has the ability. We all know he’s capable. Let’s see him have a proper consistent run of games there and make judgements after that. Against Leeds, Mikel Arteta should trust him from the start.