Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged Mikel Arteta to start giving Eberechi Eze a more prominent role in his Arsenal side, insisting that the England international has already shown enough quality to warrant regular starts rather than sporadic appearances.
Speaking with his trademark honesty, Wright made it clear that while Arteta’s project has brought Arsenal back into title contention, fully unlocking the squad’s attacking potential may depend on trusting creative players like Eze with greater responsibility.
Wright believes Eze offers something different to Arsenal’s current attacking options, particularly in tight matches where space is limited and opponents sit deep. According to the former striker, Eze’s ability to receive the ball on the half-turn, glide past defenders, and make decisive contributions in the final third is exactly what Arsenal sometimes lack when games become rigid and predictable. Wright pointed out that while Arsenal dominate possession in many matches, there are moments when they struggle to break down organised defences, and that is where Eze’s flair and improvisation could prove decisive.
The Arsenal icon also suggested that Eze’s impact has often been evident even when he has been introduced from the bench. Wright argued that coming on late in matches has allowed Eze to show flashes of brilliance, but not enough sustained influence to truly shape games. In his view, starting matches would allow Eze to impose himself earlier, force defenders to adjust their positioning, and open up space for players around him. Wright stressed that footballers of Eze’s profile thrive on rhythm and confidence, something that can only come with consistent minutes.
Wright was particularly keen to highlight Eze’s versatility, noting that he can operate as a central attacking midfielder, drift wide, or even play deeper to carry the ball through midfield. This flexibility, Wright argued, should appeal to Arteta, who values tactical adaptability and positional intelligence. Rather than seeing Eze as a luxury player, Wright described him as a problem-solver, someone capable of changing the tempo of a match with a single dribble or incisive pass.
Another point raised by Wright was Eze’s mentality. He praised the player’s work ethic and attitude, suggesting that he has embraced the challenge of competing for places in a highly competitive squad. Wright dismissed any notion that Eze lacks the discipline required to play under Arteta, instead insisting that the midfielder has matured significantly and now understands the balance between creative freedom and tactical responsibility.
Wright also framed his argument within the broader context of Arsenal’s ambitions. With the Premier League title race often decided by fine margins, he believes Arteta must be bold in his selection choices. According to Wright, relying on the same combinations week after week can make a team predictable, especially against top opponents who study every detail. Introducing Eze as a regular starter, he argued, could give Arsenal an edge in big matches where moments of individual quality often make the difference.
While Wright was careful to acknowledge the progress Arteta has made and the quality already present in the squad, he maintained that evolution is essential if Arsenal are to take the final step from contenders to champions. He sees Eze as part of that evolution, a player capable of adding creativity, unpredictability, and a touch of street football to a side that is already well-drilled and structured.
In conclusion, Ian Wright’s message to Mikel Arteta was clear and direct: Eberechi Eze should be trusted more. Not just as an impact substitute, but as a genuine starter who can influence games from the first whistle. For Wright, the evidence is already there in Eze’s performances and skill set. The next step, he believes, is for Arteta to show faith, give Eze a consistent run in the team, and allow his talent to flourish at the highest level.