It’s not an easy conversation. How do you justify moving Leandro Trossard — with 3 goals and 2 assists — or Gabriel Martinelli, who’s chipped in 4 goals and 1 assist, out of the line up? Both have fought their way into form, both deliver when it matters. And yet, as uncomfortable as it sounds, Eberechi Eze might still be Arsenal’s best option on the left wing.
That statement might sting a little, especially considering how efficient Trossard and Martinelli have been. But football isn’t always about who’s scoring today. It’s about who can change the game tomorrow, and Eze has that kind of impact waiting to be unlocked.
The Versatility Trap
Since joining Arsenal, Eze has shown he can fit almost anywhere. This season alone, he’s played left wing, left central midfield, and right central midfield — scoring once and assisting twice. He’s currently covering for club captain, Martin Ødegaard as the RCM but that stopgap role has dulled his edge.
In two matches from central midfield, he’s created one big chance and three key passes — solid, not spectacular. His performances haven’t been poor, but they’ve lacked the freedom and flair that define him. Eze thrives on rhythm, angles, and 1v1s; things the middle of the pitch doesn’t always give. He is one of very few players that can pass, shoot and dribble.
The Numbers Tell the Story
When you look at Arsenal’s Premier League dribble completion stats, Eze’s case becomes even stronger:
Only Bukayo Saka beats him for successful dribbles per 90. That’s telling. The eye test agrees too — Eze looks most dangerous when he’s facing his man, not when he’s crowded out between lines.
His standout performance this season came against Nottingham Forest, playing off the left. He attempted seven dribbles, completed three and delivered an assist, constantly threatening from the flank. In contrast, while playing as RCM, he’s managed just two dribbles per game. Central areas simply don’t let him express his creativity.
Finding the Right Balance
Of course, there’s a tactical knock-on effect. If Eze returns to the left, who fills the RCM slot until Ødegaard’s back?
The obvious answer is Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal’s coaches reportedly view the 18-year-old as a natural central or attacking midfielder. And in his limited minutes — just 145 this season — he’s already shown composure and accuracy, ranking 7th in the team for accurate passes per 90 and averaging 0.6 chances created per 90.
A midfield of Zubimendi, Rice, and Nwaneri would offer control, youth, and unpredictability without compromising balance.
Trossard and Martinelli Deserve Credit
It’s harsh, no doubt. Trossard has made himself indispensable with his efficiency. Martinelli, too, remains one of Arsenal’s hardest workers; especially given both players fell down the perking order before the season started. But Eze isn’t competing to displace them permanently. He’s competing to give Arsenal a different kind of threat — one built on control, movement, and creativity from wide positions.
Martinelli’s dribble completion rate (33.3%) shows how much the left side could benefit from a player who retains the ball and beats defenders with consistency. Eze can do that, while still contributing to the team’s overall structure.
The Verdict
Eberechi Eze’s time as a central midfielder has proven he’s adaptable. But his true influence lies on the left wing, where his passing, shooting, and dribbling come together.
Arteta may have difficult choices to make, but if Arsenal want to unlock Eze’s full potential and give their attack another layer, they’ll need to let him do what he does best: run at defenders, drift inside, and take control of games.
In a team built on precision, Eze might just be the dose of chaos Arsenal need.
