First starting in the Premier League since mid-December, Eberechi Eze did not leave much of an impression when Arsenal drew 1-1 at Brentford's stadium. The 27-year-old midfielder only played 45 minutes before being replaced by captain Martin Odegaard, after a rather quiet first half with limited touches and passes.
Having made a strong impression by scoring a hat-trick in the North London derby, the former Crystal Palace player has not been able to maintain stable form to earn a regular starting spot. This has caused him to receive many mixed opinions from experts.
Former striker Peter Crouch commented Eze is a "passive" player, after being substituted in the match against Brentford. Meanwhile, former defender Nigel Winterburn believes that the current playing style may be hindering the development of this midfielder. He said: "He is currently in a very big club in terms of expectations, and he, Havertz and Odegaard are competing to achieve a similar position.
When there is an opportunity, I just want to see him be more proactive in competing for the ball in creative areas. He needs to really show what we know he can do.
However, Winterburn still believes in his ability to improve. He shared: "From now until the end of the season, I think Eze will have many opportunities to play. Sometimes, when signing a contract with a player, you need to give them up to a year to fully adapt. Mikel Arteta's style is high-intensity pressing, which is a huge workload and Eze just needs to adapt to that situation.
Explaining the decision to withdraw Eze early in the match against Brentford, coach Mikel Arteta avoided criticizing his players: "Because with the way they put pressure, we will play better. I think we need a different type of player to create more difficulties for them in those areas and Odegaard came on very well.
Eze moving to a new club is not easy at all. That always happens, especially when you have to face such a team.
