Consecutive 10+ goal seasons for Crystal Palace meant that Eberechi Eze has been the most influential player for the Eagles, apart from his fellow mate Michael Olise. Replicating Zaha’s contributions might be a tough job to carry out, but Eberechi Eze has proven to do just that!
Eze’s fancy footwork, rampant tricks, and prolific style of play have made him a household name in the Premier League, also earning him a Euro 24’ call-up for England. Comfortable playing wide on the LW, in an AMF role, or even as a free-moving #8. Firstly, let’s look at his player profile…
Eberechi Eze Player Profile
Age: 25
Club: Crystal Palace
Position: LW/CM/AM
Foot: Right
Nationality: English
Value: €60M
Height: 5’10
Avg. SofaScore rating: 7.46
EBERECHI EZE PLAYER RADAR
EBERECHI EZE HEATMAP
Let’s delve a little deeper into Ebere Eze’s profile:
Strengths:
Eze’s ball control and manipulation with the ball at his feet are two of his finest skills. The effortless turning radius and the ability to carry the ball for longer periods have spelled Eze out as one of the most balanced assets to value in a side like Palace.
While receiving the ball, he’ll use deception techniques to make uncanny movements, tricking opponents with feints and body rolls to get away easily from oncoming defenders. Intelligently crafted moves with silky touches
Eberechi Eze pic.twitter.com/nqZ1r2dx4E
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 24, 2023
“Making the defenders move to his tricks” — something common with Eze. Often runs with the ball into open spaces, making the defender move off his marker. With deft flicks or chops, he deceives them and runs in the opposite direction. He’s created the extra space in
Eze’s ball-carrying ability in open spaces has been one of the most impressive routes to goal. Carry the ball, dribble his way through, and make space for himself to finish accurately past the keeper.
Eze mixes up strong physicality and on-the-ball ability to make the most of every dribble that he partakes in. He might not always be the most optimistic of dribbles leading to a cross, but he opens up spaces in the opposition backline in order to manage to create shot creation actions.
Eze averages 3.01 successful dribbles per 90, ranking in the top 10% of dribblers. As much as he likes to take on opponents in a 1v1 duel, he absolutely enjoys delivering crosses from either foot, averaging 1.53 accurate crosses per 90.
He had an eye for a killer pass, orchestrating with his vision to find the right pass. Alternates this by making close combinations with players around him, making quick scans, and reading the steady OTB movements with his spatial awareness.
He is extremely press-resistant with the ball at his feet, where he likes taking short touches in order to keep the ball close to his feet and get through. His COG and agile body help him shield the ball and change directions effectively.
You talk of Eze and not about set pieces? Extremely talented in delivering inch-perfect corners for teammates to pounce on and also scoring direct free kicks! His technique in doing so defies his composed body language and calm persona through dead ball chances.
Ebere Eze’s free-kick on repeat. pic.twitter.com/6RZhbz1O53
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 5, 2024
Defensively, they have grown very mature and responsible under Palace’s defensive expectations from their attacking players. High pressing techniques and competency in winning duels in the first phase of the opposition buildup can help manoeuvre the ball back.
He takes the job onto himself, creating something out of nothing while being heavily marked into pressurised zones. Acts as both a creator and a scorer, delivering match-winning performances for the Eagles in recent times.
Ebere Eze.#CPFC | #CRYWHU pic.twitter.com/CytRYGUrZ5
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 21, 2024
Weaknesses:
As mature as he is technically, he does tend to get sloppy in possession. It could be taking a heavy touch or misplacing a simple pass; momentary lapses are quite common with Eze. His efforts to win the ball back or even press defences get uncanny at times.
All this could be prevented if the setup of the side creates a balance between all the players. The right environment and coach can coach the areas for him to improve and grow in.
How could Eberechi Eze fit at Arsenal?
He could very well play as a LW or an LCM in the Arsenal setup, where he gets the freedom to dictate play and manipulate situations with the ball at his feet. Not writing off his ability to replicate Ødegaard’s #10 and also cover for Saka at RW
Eze being a natural width holder for Arsenal gives a different route from Martinelli’s box-crashing and channel-running abilities. Could stretch defences and act as a source of creativity in wider areas. Cutbacks and dribbles benefit Ø and Havertz.
EBERECHI EZE VS MARTINELLI – A COMPARISON
His best output is drifting inward from the LHS, looking to play the ball into the channels, progress the ball, or even take a smack at goal himself with his ballstriking. While tucking in as a Left #8 role, predominantly replacing ESR in this picture:
Eberechi Eze to Arsenal: Conclusion –
Eberechi Eze has proved to be a real entertainer every time he gets the ball. Eze has been tested out in different environments and managerial setups for Crystal Palace but always stepped up, reflecting on his attitude to fit into and potential to burst out in any atmosphere.
While he’s gotten into the thick of things under Oliver Glasner, he’s at a point where he’ll have to assess his options and make the best decision for himself. Be a starter for Palace and compete under the rise of Glasner? Or choose to sign for a big European giant?
Although Eze signed a new deal in November last year until 2027, his services are no doubt targeted by the company. His release clause could take him away from Selhurst Park, as some of the top European clubs aim to seek his signature by enticing him with Champions League football.
