Eberechi Eze has largely been deployed on the left side of Arsenal’s attacking trio since his arrival at the club, but he was given a central role in the number 10 position against Port Vale, where he impressed with an assured display.
The former Crystal Palace player showcased many of the qualities associated with top-level attackers and was instrumental in guiding Arsenal to a comfortable victory. He scored his first goal for the club to open the scoring in that match and maintained a high standard of performance throughout.
With Martin Odegaard currently sidelined through injury, Eze has been tasked with assuming greater creative responsibility in midfield. His contribution against Port Vale was so effective that it prompted questions as to why he has been restricted to a wide role since his move.
Eze’s Central Impact
According to the Daily Mail’s Ian Herbert, Eze’s display has now presented Mikel Arteta with a genuine selection dilemma. Herbert observed that the player has demonstrated qualities ideally suited to the number 10 role, which may force the manager to reconsider his tactical approach.
Eze’s vision, movement and technical ability provided Arsenal with a different dynamic in the central attacking position. His adaptability has increased his value to the squad, particularly at a time when the team needs to compensate for the absence of Odegaard.
Future Opportunities in the Number 10 Role
While Eze’s performance has been widely praised, the suggestion that he could permanently replace Odegaard is seen as premature. The Norwegian captain remains central to Arsenal’s system and creativity, and his return will naturally restore him to the role.
Nonetheless, Eze has shown that he can excel in a more advanced central position, and his versatility ensures that he will continue to be a vital figure for the team. He may not displace Odegaard, but his ability to step in when required gives Arsenal additional depth and flexibility in key attacking areas.
Eze’s emergence as a credible alternative in midfield underlines his status as one of Arsenal’s most important players, and future opportunities in the number 10 role seem inevitable given his recent performance.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
I am a huge fan of Eze as many of you on JA probably already know. However, he has a very different skill set to Odegaard and is most comfortable in the left 8. I believe he could perform reasonably well as a 10 (or as a left winger), but not as effectively. He’s one of those players who can do reasonably well almost anywhere because of his incredible skills, vision, and intelligence. I do not believe Odegaard should be replaced by Eze or anyone else in the club at this point.
Well Arteta said there should be 2 players minimum for every position
Is that Eze or Nwaneri or Merino ?
Whether Eze replaces Ode is a bit premature as he hasn’t had hardly any minutes there to prove if he is or not
It seems Arteta will try Eze in a few positions before settling. Injuries may also determine where he plays
Two different players but both are technically excellent. I prefer Eze in midfield to the left wing but he could play there in the same 11 with Odegaard in midfield. I believe Eze will keep both Odegaard and Martinelli on their toes.
In my opinion,while odegard is more or else a fantastic player at 8 so also Eze @ 10. Why not try the two together and see the end product.Let’s allow Rice to rest 4 two weeks only.
Gyokeres.
Martinelli. Odegaard. Saka.
Eze. Rice.
Calafiori. Gabriel. Saliba. Timber.
Raya.
Martinelli. Gyokeres. Saka.
Eze. Rice. Odegaard.
Calafiori. Gabriel. Saliba. Timber.
Raya.
If playing a 433, I agree with these starters in most cases even though it’s so great to have good alternatives available.
Their games are dissimilar, so ideally, it might be better to play them both when possible, but not with Eze on the left wing.
We can’t teach an old dog a new trick. Eze born and bred as a 10. He’s a passer. He is not a runner. He has good physique to utilize it against pushes and pulls in the middle. Arsenal have enough runners in the flanks but lacks creative passers in the middle. Eze and Ode compete for 10. Nwaneri is understudy to them. Learning versatility is for teens not for a well established player like Eze. If Arteta opts for a double 10 as he might have done v City in 2nd half (Nwaneri Eze) there is a possibility both Eze and Ode play together which I wish to happen often.