Rio Ferdinand Claims Arsenal Star Eberechi Eze Is ‘Sacrificing Parts of His Game’ Under Mikel Arteta

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand questions whether Arteta system is limiting Eberechi Eze flair despite his derby heroics in Arsenal’s 4–1 win over Spurs.

ArsenalTalks News Analysis | February 24, 2026

Arsenal’s title charge gathers momentum, but former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand sparks debate by claiming that Mikel Arteta forces Eberechi Eze to sacrifice parts of his natural game.

Speaking on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents after Arsenal’s 4–1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur on February 22, Ferdinand praised Eze’s impact but questioned whether fans are seeing the player at his very best.

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The former England international argued that Arsenal’s collective structure and positional discipline are limiting the freedom and “selfishness” that once defined Eze’s game at Crystal Palace.

Ferdinand’s tactical concern

“I was talking to my mates in the WhatsApp group about Eze, and we were saying, ‘Why are we not seeing the best of him?’” Ferdinand said.

“He should focus on playing one-twos and drawing defenders out, like he did with his second goal after Saka’s miss. But his starting position is high, designed to pin defenders back — and that stops him facing the game and doing what he does best.”

Ferdinand suggested that Eze’s role within Arteta’s system prioritises structure over improvisation, forcing him to suppress his dribbling, flair, and directness in favour of positional discipline.

Despite the criticism, Eze delivered another decisive performance in the North London derby. He scored twice in the 4–1 win over Tottenham, continuing his remarkable scoring record against Spurs and underlining his importance in big games.

Arsenal now sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League, and Eze’s numbers continue to grow across all competitions since his summer arrival from Crystal Palace.

Arteta has praised the midfielder’s willingness to adapt, describing him as a player who is “moulding himself into what the team needs.”

Ferdinand drew a direct parallel with Jack Grealish, whose move to Manchester City brought trophies but altered his expressive Villa-era style.

“He sacrificed parts of his game for the benefit of the team,” Ferdinand said. “He didn’t look as good as he did at Aston Villa, but he won titles. I don’t know if we’re seeing it to the same extent, but we’re probably still yet to see the Crystal Palace Eze in an Arsenal shirt.”

Ferdinand believes Eze’s “selfishness” — once a weapon — has been deliberately dialled down within Arsenal’s system.

Arteta’s system vs individual freedom

Arteta builds Arsenal on structure, pressing, and tactical control. He instructs creative players to serve the system first and express themselves second.

Eze adapts alongside Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli, who all evolve into more tactically disciplined players under Arteta, often sacrificing spontaneity for balance and control.

The approach delivers consistency, dominance, and a genuine title challenge — but it sparks debate over whether Arteta constrains individuality.

Ferdinand’s comments highlight a modern football reality: elite systems demand compromise. Players chasing titles often evolve from stars into components of a machine.

For Arsenal fans, the question is simple. If Eze’s adaptation helps deliver a Premier League title, few will complain about any loss of individual freedom.

With Chelsea next at the Emirates and the title race tightening, Eze’s role will remain under scrutiny.

The bigger question lingers:
Is Eberechi Eze being limited by Arteta’s system — or is he becoming the kind of player who wins championships?

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