Ex-Arsenal star reveals reason why Eze has struggled to make Gunners impact

Nigel Winterburn has offered his verdict on why Eberechi Eze has found it difficult to cement his place at Arsenal this season.

Eze arrived in the summer from Crystal Palace for £67.5m and made an immediate impression, scoring against his former club and netting a memorable hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur. But his early momentum has faded, and he has frequently been named on the bench by Mikel Arteta in recent weeks.

Winterburn believes Eze’s relaxed style may be working against him in a team packed with high-energy performers.

“He’s now at a huge club in terms of expectation, and he, Havertz, and Odegaard are battling to be in the same position,” Winterburn said.

Comparing him to club captain Martin Odegaard, the former defender added: “The one thing I would say is Odegaard’s all energy. Eze looks a little bit more laid-back with the way, the style he plays.”

In a squad where places are fiercely contested, Winterburn feels that subtle differences in intensity can make a major difference.

Winterburn has urged Eze to take greater responsibility when given opportunities, especially in attacking zones.

“When he gets that opportunity, I would just like to see him a bit more demanding of the ball in the creative areas and really showing us what we know he can do,” he explained.

The former Gunner was quick to praise Eze’s natural ability, pointing to his “lovely close control” and eye for a pass, as well as his capacity to score goals.

With competition from the likes of Kai Havertz and Odegaard, Eze’s path into the starting XI remains challenging.

But Winterburn’s message is clear: assertiveness and visible hunger could be the key to turning flashes of brilliance into consistent influence.