Arsenal great Thierry Henry has cautioned club skipper Martin Odegaard that he could soon encounter strong internal rivalry from Eberechi Eze, following the England midfielder’s stunning hat-trick display against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League North London derby on Sunday.
During the encounter, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta selected Eze to operate in the central playmaking role due to Odegaard’s absence, and the decision paid off as the Gunners stormed to a 4-1 victory over their fiercest rivals. Eze struck three times, while Leandro Trossard added another to seal a dominant win at the Emirates Stadium.
While analysing the match on Sky Sports, Henry emphasised that Eze should be utilised centrally rather than out wide, arguing that the ex-Crystal Palace star belongs in Arsenal’s midfield structure.
“By the way, if I was Martin Odegaard,” Henry said. “I said it, this guy [Eze] is a 10 for me, he is not a winger, he is a 10.
“He needs to be in the middle of the park he showed it tonight, so that is what you want, healthy competition that is what you want.”
Arsenal secured Eze’s signature during the summer transfer period, beating Tottenham to the deal, and his latest performance has intensified conversations about squad depth, tactical flexibility, and selection battles within Arteta’s title-chasing side.
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