Arteta's Tactical Dilemma with Eberechi Eze
Mikel Arteta is facing a significant puzzle in his Arsenal squad, centred on the talented playmaker Eberechi Eze. The midfielder played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's recent Carabao Cup semi-final second leg victory over Chelsea, helping secure a place at Wembley. However, his opportunities have been fleeting of late, sparking debate about his role and future at the club.
Eze's Passion and Pride on Display
After the win against Chelsea, Eberechi Eze spoke with immense passion and pride, reflecting his deep connection to Arsenal. "Of course, this is my club and from young, it's been the dream. So, to win with Arsenal, to achieve stuff with Arsenal, this is everything to me," he said. He described the experience as "special, special, special", highlighting his desire to perform in such crucial matches.
Concerns Over Limited Game Time
Despite this standout performance, Eze's recent involvement has been inconsistent. He started last week against Kairat Almaty and managed only nine minutes as a substitute at Leeds. This marks an improvement from earlier periods where he went several games without any playing time. There is growing concern that if he does not secure regular minutes, his place in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup could be at risk.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Eze's season has been a rollercoaster. In November, he was in brilliant form, scoring a hat-trick against Tottenham and excelling in matches against Bayern Munich and Chelsea. However, things took a turn in Arsenal's defeat at Aston Villa in early December. To accommodate both Eze and Martin Odegaard in the lineup, Arteta deployed Eze on the left wing, a position where he is less effective compared to his natural role as a No.10.
This tactical shift proved costly, as Eze failed to track Matty Cash for Villa's opening goal, leading to his substitution at half-time. Since then, he has rarely been considered a first-choice starter, a situation described as brutal and indicative of Arteta's demanding management style.
The Challenge of Integrating Eze
Eze is not ideally suited to playing wide on the left, but he can operate as a dual No.8 and excels as a No.10. His presence has arguably put pressure on Odegaard this season, with both players showing flashes of brilliance. However, Eze's inconsistent game time makes it difficult to judge his form fairly. He deserves more opportunities to regain momentum and prove his worth.
Arteta's Role in Eze's Development
Mikel Arteta needs to work closely with Eze to maximise his potential. The player is strong, skilful, and incredibly intelligent, offering a valuable alternative to Odegaard. With many games ahead in the season, there will be chances for Eze to earn more minutes. It is now up to him to seize these moments and demonstrate his quality on the pitch.
Looking Ahead to World Cup Ambitions
Eze's story from last summer, where he emerged as a promising talent, deserves a happy ending. Regular play at Arsenal could be crucial for his aspirations to represent England in the World Cup. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Arteta manages this conundrum to benefit both the player and the team.
