Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham has now not handiest reignited their identify fee but in addition sparked a big tactical debate referring to the way forward for membership captain Martin Odegaard.
Martin Odegaard beginning XI spot not assured after Eze masterclass(Photograph by way of Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Pictures)
Eze, a £60 million summer season signing from Crystal Palace, seemed “absolute class” in an orthodox quantity 10 position, thriving in a central place supported by way of the double pivot of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Ex-Arsenal defender Adrian Clarke used to be amongst the ones to heap reward on Eze, noting that the midfielder “grew three inches taller” after opening the scoring.
Clarke argued that the swagger and force proven by way of Eze has now “set the bar” for Arsenal’s ingenious hub.
When requested about his efficiency towards Spurs, ex-Arsenal defender Adrian Clarke stated on talkSPORT: “He was outstanding, wasn’t he?
“This was a really orthodox 10 role, because we had Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi that were flat too.
“He was the guy, central. And I think you’ve got to play quite high to affect the game.
“Make sure you get into the box. He obviously got into the box for both the goals. He wins the ball. He started to win the ball better than he did earlier on in the season.
“We saw that in the build-up to his second. I just thought once he scored the first, Eze grew three inches taller. He started to have a little bit of swagger about him. It was like his stage.
“Some of the little touches and flicks and passes around the corner were a joy to watch. He was absolute class. But he’s set the bar now.
“That has to be the level. You can’t just do it twice a season against Spurs. He has to play with that drive, that purpose, that swagger against everyone. And if he does, Odegaard won’t get back in the team.”
Eze vs. Martin Odegaard
Whilst Odegaard has lengthy been the ingenious heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s aspect, this season’s statistics spotlight a moving of the guard.
Derailed by way of an ankle damage previous within the marketing campaign and a newer knee factor, the Norwegian’s manufacturing has dipped in comparison to Eze’s explosive have an effect on.
Eze’s talent to have an effect on the sport prime up the pitch and his awesome goal-scoring go back, together with 5 objectives towards Spurs by myself this season, supply a directness that Odegaard has sometimes lacked in 2026.
Odegaard’s long term at Arsenal unsure
Odegaard has been related with a transfer away this summer season, with stories suggesting that Arsenal are able to phase tactics with their captain.
Arsenal have reportedly set a hefty £80m ticket on Odegaard, who’s sought after by way of a number of golf equipment together with Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
Spanish giants Barcelona have additionally been related with him prior to now.
With the Norwegian’s long term unsure, Eze may just really well be the long-term successor of the quantity 10 position on the membership.
