Former Premier League star, Jamie Redknapp, has told Eberechi Eze to fight for his place in the Arsenal’s starting line up.
For Redknapp, Eze is currently behind the likes of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in Mikel Arteta’s team sheet and must fight his way into the XI.
Ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle United, Redknapp urged manager, Mikel Arteta to play Eze in the middle of midfield.
The England international has been mostly deployed on the left wing but was used as a left No.8 for the first time in the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Port Vale on Wednesday night.
Since joining Arsenal, Eze has been played on the left or a right No.8, similar to the role he placed at Crystal Palace.
He was outstanding against Port Vale, scoring one of Arsenal’s goals.
Redknapp told Sky Sports: “I still feel he’s better as one of those three [in the middle].
“We saw the assist he made on the weekend [against Man City]. It was world class.
“He’s a fantastic player and I’d prefer to see him play more central.
“It’s difficult because there’s competition for places.
“Odegaard, Rice and Zubimendi – that’s probably [Arteta’s] go-to three right now. It’s up to Eze to force his way in there.”
Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in their last Premier League at the Emirates on Sunday and will be hoping for a better result away to Newcastle at the weekend.
EPL: ‘It’s up to him to fight’ – Redknapp names 3 midfielders ahead of Eze in Arsenal squad