Wayne Rooney expects Eberechi Eze to become a mainstay at Arsenal within a year or two. For bettors, Eze's inconsistent minutes mean short-term bets should favour Arsenal overall; only back Eze in anytime-scorer or assist markets when he's confirmed in the starting XI. Avoid relying on him for long-term goals markets until he gets sustained starts.
Eze urged to be patient as Rooney backs Arsenal future
Eberechi Eze’s early months at Arsenal have mixed flashes of brilliance with questions over consistency, but Wayne Rooney believes the England midfielder will establish himself at the club within the next year or two. The former Manchester United forward highlighted the mental and tactical challenge of moving from Crystal Palace to a title-chasing Arsenal side.
Big-money move and early highs
Arsenal paid £67.5m to bring Eze back to north London after he was released from their academy as a youngster. Expectations spiked when he produced a stunning hat-trick against Tottenham on derby day, confirming the talent that justified the hefty fee and the fierce transfer-window chase between Arsenal and Spurs.
Form, minutes and tactical demands
Recent weeks have seen Eze’s game time limited in the Premier League, largely because Martin Ødegaard has returned to form and reclaimed a central creative role. Mikel Arteta has explained that selection depends on the opponent and tactical plan, which has meant Eze has often been used off the bench rather than as a guaranteed starter.
San Siro showing
Eze started in the Champions League at Inter Milan and delivered a lively display at the San Siro, coming close to scoring from the edge of the box in the second half. Despite that, Gabriel Jesus’s first-half brace on his return to the starting XI drew much of the attention.
Rooney and Walcott: confidence and potential
Rooney warned that the consistency of winning at Arsenal represents a major adjustment from Eze’s previous environment and that can be mentally taxing. He stressed Eze’s quality and World Cup ambitions as reasons the midfielder must push to secure a regular place. Theo Walcott added that Eze needs to believe he can be the “main man” and become a regular game-changer in big moments.
Betting implications
Eze’s intermittent starts make him a risky pick for long-term markets like season goal totals until he racks up consecutive starts. Short-term, value can be found in match-specific markets: back Arsenal to win when Eze starts, and consider Eze in anytime-scorer or assist markets only when the starting XI is confirmed. For accumulation bets, avoid relying on Eze-heavy legs unless his role is clearly established.
Outlook
The trajectory for Eze remains upward but gradual. His raw ability is clear, yet consistent impact at Arsenal will likely take time as he adapts to tactical demands and battles for minutes in a high-performing squad. Expect breakthroughs across the coming season if he secures more regular starts.
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'People don't realise how difficult it is.'
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