Freddie Ljungberg has urged Mikel Arteta to hand Eberechi Eze more starting opportunities, insisting the Arsenal midfielder deserves a regular role following his standout display in the north London derby.
“They should use him more”: Ljungberg urges Arteta to build Arsenal attack around Eze
The former Arsenal invincible spoke after Eze delivered another memorable performance in Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday.
The £67.5million summer signing broke the deadlock late in the first half, and although Randal Kolo Muani levelled quickly, Eze restored the two-goal cushion on the hour mark with a clinical finish.
Viktor Gyokeres scored twice, including a late stoppage-time strike, to seal the emphatic victory.
Speaking on Viaplay punditry panel, Ljungberg questioned why Eze does not start more frequently for the league leaders.
The Swede believes the creative midfielder’s instincts, sharpened during his Crystal Palace days, make him a constant threat.
“He’s so ingrained from being at Palace, you have to always create something. You have a chance, you have to make something,” Ljungberg said.
“He does that here and I think they should use him more than they do.”
Peter Schmeichel also heaped praise on the England international.
“He’s such an elegant player. He’s actually a really beautiful player to watch,” the former Manchester United goalkeeper said.
“He’s one of those players that you want to pay to come and watch him play.”
Jaap Stam highlighted Eze’s unique qualities in the final third. “It must be a nightmare to play against him,” the Dutchman added.
“He’s so comfortable on the ball, he creates spaces for himself and his teammates.”
Arteta acknowledged Eze’s growing influence after the match. “He had that belief and I’m really happy with him,” the Arsenal boss said.
“He’s really trying to mold and adapt into what we want from him.”
The victory moves Arsenal five points clear at the top of the table. They host Chelsea next, while Tottenham sit just four points above the relegation zone.
