Mikel Arteta hails Eberechi Eze’s ‘dramatic’ improvement at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta believes Eberechi Eze has changed his behaviour “dramatically” for the better as he adapts to the demands of playing for Arsenal.
The England international has experienced a fluctuating debut campaign following his £67.5m move from Crystal Palace last summer.
Despite struggling for consistency, the playmaker has established himself as a hero in the north London derby, scoring five goals in two matches against Tottenham.
Eze netted a hat-trick at the Emirates in November and secured a brace during last weekend’s commanding 4-1 away victory.
Building connections
Between those two standout performances against Spurs, the 27-year-old failed to register a single shot on target in the Premier League.
However, Arteta is confident that the foundations are being laid for the midfielder to deliver on a regular basis.
“To understand him, you have to understand how he connects with others players,” said the Arsenal manager ahead of Sunday’s match against Chelsea.
“What are the best connections that we can build in and around him, the spaces he’s more comfortable to use.”
“There are certain behaviours he’s changed dramatically into really positive things.”
“At the end, you don’t know if you’re going to see them in a week, or two, or in a month. But they’re coming.”
Tactical adjustments
The Gunners boss suggested he is finally learning how to extract the maximum potential from the former QPR and Palace man.
Arteta admitted he is “starting to understand” the specific tactical requirements needed to unlock Eze’s ability.
“You see how players react in relation to certain decisions that you take,” the Spaniard added.
“When they have better games, when they have certain difficulties.”
“His role has been modified a few times throughout the season and his reaction has always been top, but it’s tough to perform after which is what we need.”
“He’s been exceptional in the manner he’s behaving every single day, but what we need is that those manners are transformed into huge performances that decide football matches.”
“That’s the reason we bought him.”