The summer transfer window saw a dramatic tug-of-war for Eberechi Eze, with Tottenham Hotspur initially appearing poised to secure his signature. An agreement with Crystal Palace was reportedly in place, but Arsenal swooped in, hijacking the move and bringing the England international to the Emirates. Now, Eze has become a key figure for the Gunners, leaving Spurs fans wondering what could have been.
Tottenham's Near Miss
While Tottenham eventually filled their number ten role, the undeniable talent Eze possesses is a constant reminder of their missed opportunity. His creativity, technical ability, and confidence have shone throughout the season, making him a valuable asset to Arsenal. The upcoming North London Derby will serve as a stark reminder for Spurs of how close they were to securing his services, and a chance to measure themselves against a player who was once a central part of their plans.
Frank's Humorous Take
When asked about missing out on Eze, Brentford manager Thomas Frank responded with a touch of humor, saying, "Who is Eze?" before adding, "Very good player. He plays for Arsenal, a team we want to beat on Sunday." His comments highlighted both the lighthearted nature of the question and the respect he holds for Eze's talent.
Ferdinand's Perspective: Eze Playing with the 'Handbrake On'
Les Ferdinand, who played a key role in Eze's development at QPR, believes the Arsenal winger is currently playing with a 'handbrake on'. Ferdinand urges Eze to show more of his capabilities, particularly in the high-stakes North London Derby. While Eze has shown flashes of brilliance, Ferdinand believes there's a higher level he can reach.
"He's playing with a handbrake on... I think there's so much more to come from him," Ferdinand told Sky Sports. "The reason Arsenal brought him is because he's got a calmness about him in the way he plays and his attitude."
With just two goals and three assists in his first 17 matches for Arsenal, Eze acknowledges the need for improvement. The North London Derby presents the perfect platform for him to truly announce himself at the Emirates and silence any doubts about his potential.