Eberechi Eze was the star of the show for Arsenal against Tottenham this weekend and Rio Ferdinand thinks he’s going to help them to the title.
Eze scored twice to help down Spurs. He has now scored five in just two North London derby appearances, and only needs three goals to be the all-time leading scorer.
Much has been made of Eze’s overall contribution – or lack of at times – this season.
However, Rio Ferdinand believes Eze is actually helping Arsenal towards success.
TRUE or FALSE: Eberechi Eze has just taken Martin Odegaard’s spot at Arsenal… 👀
Rio Ferdinand explains how Eberechi Eze is sacrificing his game to help Arsenal
Rio Ferdinand is a man who knows how to win a Premier League title.
Watching Arsenal this season, Ferdinand has seen the best and worst of the Gunners and while he’s normally praising their defensive qualities, this time it’s the more forward thinking players.
Speaking on the latest episode of Rio Presents, the former Man United man has suggested Eze is sacrificing himself tactically for the greater good.
“I was talking to my mates about this and saying why aren’t we seeing the very best of Eze and I just think his starting position is too high,” Ferdinand commented.
“I know he’s doing that to pin back the Spurs backline but it’s actually going against him being able to perform. Eze needs to face the game, see the game and start probing. Play one-twos, draw opponents out of their positions and say come and press me. I think he’s a wonderful player, I’d pay to watch him right now, 100%.
“I think he’s playing more for the team than himself and sometimes to win titles you have to make that sacrifice.”
Ebere Eze doing what Wayne Rooney did for Man United
This is a very good point from Rio about playing a different way to help the team over the line.
When we think back to the great Premier League winning teams, the best example of a player doing this would have to be Wayne Rooney at Man United.
Does Declan Rice deserve to be Arsenal’s highest earner…if not, then who?
With both Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo in the team, Rooney was moved to a more left-sided position and it was his work-rate and tenacity that often allowed Ronaldo to shine at Old Trafford.
Sure, much like Eze at Arsenal, Rooney had the talent and ability to do it all himself if he wanted.
But to win titles, the team must come first and Rooney did his role under Sir Alex Ferguson brilliantly at times, while also bringing moments of magic like Eze does.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
