Eberechi Eze spoke with passion and pride after helping Arsenal reach Wembley, describing the achievement as "everything" to him. The midfielder started and completed the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea, setting up a final appearance next month. "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.
Despite his emotional connection to the club, Eze's playing time has been limited in recent weeks. He started last week against Kairat Almaty and came on as a substitute at Leeds, but has otherwise endured stretches without meaningful minutes. With the World Cup on the horizon, there are concerns that a lack of regular football could jeopardise his place in England's squad.
Eze was impressive in November, scoring a hat-trick against Tottenham, performing well against Bayern Munich, and starting in Arsenal's draw at Chelsea. However, his season shifted after the defeat at Aston Villa in early December. In that match, he was pushed wide to the left to accommodate Martin Odegaard, a position where he is less effective. He failed to track Matty Cash for Villa's opening goal and was substituted at half-time, after which he has rarely been considered a first-choice starter.
Mikel Arteta's approach has been unforgiving, with one mistake apparently costing Eze his place. While Eze is not a natural wide-left player, he can operate as a dual No.8 and is clearly a strong No.10. His presence has put pressure on Odegaard, though the latter has looked good at times. Eze, however, needs more opportunities to prove himself, as it is hard to judge a player who is dropped in and out of the team.
Arteta should work with Eze and utilise his strengths; he is strong, skilful, and intelligent, offering a viable alternative to Odegaard. Given the number of games ahead, Eze will likely get more minutes, and it is now up to him to seize the moment. His story from last summer deserves a happy ending, and solving this puzzle would benefit both Arsenal and the player's World Cup ambitions.
