Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal stars to adapt and unlock ‘phenomenal’ Eberechi Eze

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to adapt to Eberechi Eze’s qualities as the £60 million signing looks to establish himself as a regular starter after a slow start to his latest campaign.

The England international has yet to score in the Premier League this season and is still waiting for his first league start under Arteta, despite arriving from Crystal Palace with a reputation as one of the division’s most exciting attacking players.

Arteta, however, remains confident Eze will have opportunities to demonstrate his ability, praising his attitude while insisting that the responsibility for maximising his contribution also rests with his teammates.

The Arsenal boss believes the midfielder can make a significant impact as the Gunners continue their pursuit of success, provided he earns his place through performances in training and on the pitch.

Arteta demands more from Arsenal stars

Arteta has made it clear that Eze must compete for his place like every other member of the squad, stressing that opportunities will depend on his performances and the influence he has when selected.

“Like everybody else, he needs to earn the right to play. That comes down to training sessions, and when you are on that pitch, to have the impact on the game that the team needs.

“Eze is going to have many opportunities to do that. His attitude is phenomenal and our players have to adapt as well to his qualities.”

The Spaniard’s comments underline his belief that integrating Eze into the team requires a collective effort rather than placing the entire burden on the player himself.

While the former Crystal Palace star must prove he deserves a regular starting role, Arteta also expects Arsenal’s established players to recognise his strengths and adjust their approach to help him influence matches.

That could prove important for a player whose creativity, movement and ability to operate in attacking areas made him an attractive addition to Arsenal’s squad.

£60m signing still waiting for Premier League breakthrough

Eze completed a £60 million move across London from Crystal Palace, arriving at Arsenal with high expectations following his performances in the Premier League.

His previous campaign ended with 10 goals across all competitions, helping Palace enjoy a memorable season and strengthening his reputation as a player capable of delivering in decisive moments.

However, translating that form into a regular starting position at Arsenal has proved challenging.

Despite his attacking qualities, Eze has yet to score in the Premier League this season and has not started a league match under Arteta.

The competition for places in Arsenal’s squad has limited his opportunities, leaving the midfielder with work to do if he is to become a central figure in the manager’s plans.

Arteta’s latest comments suggest, however, that Eze remains firmly in contention and will have further chances to demonstrate why the club invested heavily in his services.

Arsenal must find a way to maximise Eze

Eze’s ability to operate in advanced positions offers Arteta another option in the final third, but ensuring that the midfielder’s qualities translate into consistent performances will require the right balance within the team.

Arteta’s insistence that his players must adapt points to the importance of building an understanding with the summer signing and finding ways to bring him into attacking situations where he can be most effective.