After scoring his first goal at Wembley since winning the FA Cup final, Eberechi Eze has declared he is ready to win another silver medal with Arsenal and England next summer. The former Crystal Palace star believes his £60m move and two new managers in London have made him an even better player as he chases Premier League, Champions League and World Cup glory.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a great season,” he said. “That’s the goal. That’s what we strive for and strive for every day as a club and as a country. It’s an exciting time. Have I brought the confidence I had playing at Arsenal to England? Yes, playing at the highest level allows you to get better. You think faster and you play better. So I feel like it’s definitely helped me. I’ve grown again since last season and I’m developing even more as a complete player.”
Londoners recognize the similarities between Arsenal and England’s solid defense, and managers Thomas Tuchel and Mikel Arteta. “What I mean is the level of intensity of thinking and being one step ahead of the game and understanding the game differently,” Eze added.
“I feel like that’s been a big plus. Being able to see things better and more clearly will of course make me a better player and improve the way I think and operate. They’re both very keen, they’re both very attentive to details. That’s one of the most important things and definitely it helps me.”
England have not conceded a single goal in seven World Cup qualifying games, while Arsenal have scored just five goals in 11 Premier League games.
“Yeah, it’s good to be part of this type of team where the players at the back are very solid and very structured,” he added. “You control most of the game and there are a lot of opportunities for the other side to get ahead. So, yeah, it’s fun for me and it’s fun. I pray to God that it continues.”
Although he is expected to contribute defensively, his primary role will still be to create chances and find the back of the net.
Eze emerged from the substitute bench to light up Wembley on a gloomy Thursday night with a 90th-minute goal to strengthen his case for World Cup selection.
“That’s what I want to do, make an impact,” he continued. “If you have 30 minutes, take it. If you have 90 minutes, take it. No matter how much talent and ability you have in your team, whatever opportunities you get, you have to take advantage of them.”
Tuchel said this week he would not select more than four No. 10s in his World Cup squad, but Eze showed his adaptability on the left against Serbia.
“I consider myself an offensive player,” he declared. “So wherever I am, left, 10, right, striker, eight, wherever I am, I’m going to do my job. I’m going to play my role. But of course, I’m a creative player. So these are the things I want to do, score and assist, create and try to express myself.”
