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Mikel Arteta praises Eberechi Eze hunger despite reduced role

By on January 8, 2026

Eberechi Eze arsenal

Mikel Arteta has offered strong backing for Eberechi Eze, praising the midfielder’s attitude and effort despite his recent lack of minutes.

The Arsenal manager described the England international as “phenomenal” and stressed that his desire has grown, even while finding himself out of favour.

Eze joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace in the summer as one of the club’s standout signings and arrived with high expectations.

However, the 27-year-old has not featured in Arsenal’s last four Premier League matches and has remained an unused substitute each time.

His absence from the starting eleven has raised questions, especially given his status and the excitement around his arrival earlier this season.

Arteta, though, was keen to highlight the wider value Eze brings to the squad, both on and off the pitch.

Arteta highlights attitude and training levels

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday night’s clash with Liverpool, the Arsenal boss made it clear that selection decisions do not change his view of Eze’s quality or importance.

“Eberechi has been exceptional when he has played and when he hasn’t,” Arteta said.

“That’s a big quality that we have to recognise in our squad because then the other players can fulfil a role and everybody is happy because the team is performing and winning.”

Arteta explained that players who accept difficult moments help build a stronger team culture over a long season.

He pointed to Eze’s response in training as a key reason for his confidence in the player’s future impact.

“His level of desire has gone even higher. The way he trains every day, and the way he wants to do everything that it takes to change my mind and give him more minutes.”

The Arsenal manager admitted that such behaviour is often expected but not always delivered at the highest level.

“He has been phenomenal. That is not easy. It is easy to expect it. But with the level of players we are talking about, that is not easy.”

Competition and patience at the Emirates

Eze’s reduced role has also been shaped by strong form from others, especially club captain Martin Odegaard.

The Norwegian has been a driving force in midfield, making it hard for Arteta to change a winning balance.

With Arsenal preparing to face Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, Eze is again expected to start on the bench.

The match carries huge weight, with Arsenal aiming to stretch their lead at the top of the league.

Despite the challenge, Arteta remains calm about Eze’s situation and believes patience will be rewarded.

“I am very confident we are going to see a great version of Ebs in the coming months.”

For Arsenal, managing big personalities and strong competition is part of chasing success on several fronts.