Aliadiere warns Mikel Arteta about Odegaard-Eze selection headache

We’re entering Matchweek 16 of the Premier League and Arsenal’s lead at the top has trimmed down to two points after they lost to Aston Villa in thrilling fashion last weekend.

The Gunners have been hit by injury issues at the centre-back position with Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera out of action. That has prompted Mikel Arteta to deploy a makeshift pair of Piero Hincapie and Jurrien Timber.

It remains to be seen if Saliba will be back for the Wolves game but Arteta has been warned of another selection headache by former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere. The former Arsenal forward thinks Arteta will have to choose between Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard for the central midfield spot.

Picking either Ødegaard or Eze is a difficult choice for Mikel

Aliadiere started by saying how Eze has impressed him despite going through the motions of adjusting to a new team and system. The North London Derby hat-trick, in his view, was decisive as it was an extraordinary performance from the England international.

“Eze will be key and I think he started well at the club. He’s had good performances but in this day and age, the fans and the media want goals and assists. They want decisive moments and that was his game to tell the world he’s arrived and that’s he’s an Arsenal fan he loves the club who has scored a hat trick in a North London derby. He will be a huge part of Arsenal's success this season.”

“I love Eze’s calmness on the ball. There’s no panic no matter where he is on the pitch, who’s around him and how many players are near him. He’s not scared of taking the ball and keeping it. There’s a finesse, a calmness and composure he has.”

“He’s also still adjusting to a new club with new team mates and ways of training. Whenever he’s on the ball he makes great decisions. He’s pure quality. It also helps when you’ve got the belief and the confidence of your manager and we will see the best of him.”

With Martin Ødegaard now available for selection again, Aliadiere admits that Arteta now has a selection headache. He doesn’t make a definitive pick but says that just because Ødegaard is club captain, it doesn’t mean he should be an automatic starter.

“This will be a difficult choice to make for Mikel because it will be tough to choose between them. It’s all about having a squad and rotation options. I don’t think Ødegaard being captain means he has to start. Mikel will pick players that are fit and ready to start.”

I can’t wait to see Middlesbrough back in the Premier League

Aliadiere also shared his hopes of seeing his former side Middlesbrough back in the Premier League who are currently third favourites to get promoted. Boro are currently second in the Championship and have not played Premier League football since 2017. The Frenchman is excited about the prospect of them getting promoted and possibly watching them play at the Emirates stadium.

“I can’t wait to see Middlesbrough back in the Premier League. I can’t wait to go and watch a game with them in the Premier League. It would be cool having them coming to The Emirates as well.”

“They are getting closer and closer. With Michael Carrick they were getting there and couldn’t quite make the play offs and when they made it they couldn’t quite win it. This season with Rob Edwards it was looking great until he ended up at Wolves which is disappointing. I totally understand why he left. It’s a club he played for but he was doing a great job and competing for the top two.

“The play-offs are tough so the top two would be ideal. They’ve great players but I know how tough the Championship is. This season will be long but it’s looking good so far.”

Middlesbrough are currently priced at 10/11 to go up behind Ipswich (3/4) and Coventry (1/10). You can compare these odds with our trusty bet calculator.

Read Aliadiere's view on Rice and Trossard this season