'We need far more, he struggles to get into games' - Eberechi Eze given some Arsenal home truths
Eberechi Eze must produce what he did against Bayern Munich on a more regular basis for Arsenal if he wants to keep his place.
That is the opinion of experienced former Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 28-year-old scored the opener as the Gunners drew 2-2 with the German champions on Wednesday, having come off the bench for the injured Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal's attacking depth has been hit massively by injury, with first-choice right-sided winger Saka now joining Christos Tzolis on the injury table.
The Greece international is due to return in the coming weeks, but Eze will be asked to occupy the position, at least, until he does.
The England international has attracted criticism in recent weeks and was hooked at half-time against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but it is hoped that Wednesday's display will have served as a big confidence booster.
Eberechi Eze 'struggles to get into games'
Eze joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace in a deal worth up to £67.5million last summer, and played a part in ending the wait for the Premier League title.
This season, the England international has been almost exclusively asked to play out wide, rather than his usual position in the middle, and has often allowed games to pass him by.
"The first time I saw him, he was playing for QPR and he was a standout player. I was surprised he went to Palace," King told Football Insider.
"He was a star at Palace, which led to his move to Arsenal. It's a bit of a situation here. A bit like some of these big money signings, as he was. We need far more than what they're producing.
"Whether it's the fact that maybe he's been picking up little niggly injuries or he's not been playing in the position that he wants to play in. He's a very similar player to Martin Odegaard in the way he handles the ball. He's got [Declan] Rice alongside him and Odegaard the other side. Strong midfield, as such.
"But you can't have one of them not showing 100%. It's very easy to look at Odegaard and think he looks a bit disinterested, but he's a great receiver and passer on the ball. He gives that option to Arsenal.
"Eze, I'm looking for him to be getting forward and scoring spectacular goals and be in and around the box all the time. But there are times when he looks as though he struggles to get in the games."
Eze responds vs Bayern
Saka's injury came without any contact from an opponent and looks to be a muscle problem that could keep him out for some time.
But while that concern remains, Eze's display off the bench was one that provided some encouragement.
The winger's goal was excellent and he looked confident throughout, almost scoring again in the second half.
The 28-year-old completed three successful dribbles and was both fouled (four times) more than anybody else on the pitch, and won more ground duels than anybody else - eight.