Emmanuel Eboué: Jurrien Timber reminds me of myself

Arsenal continue to lead the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta relying on the depth and versatility of his squad as the season progresses. Strong competition for places across midfield and defence has seen some players rotated more than others, while standout performers have continued to set the standard week after week.

Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué has shared his thoughts on several key talking points such as the strength of Arsenal’s midfield options, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber’s form, as well as Eberechi Eze’s adaptation to life at the Emirates

Arsenal’s midfield depth has been key this season

The Ivorian believes Arsenal’s strength in midfield has been one of the main reasons for their consistency this year.

“For me, Arsenal are very good in the middle. They have so many young players who are very good. Even if Declan Rice doesn't play and they put Eze or Merino, all of them, they do well.”

He highlighted how important the midfield unit has been to Arteta’s side.

“I think the midfield is the most important area for Arsenal this year. The Arsenal midfielders, all of them are very good. They're strong and they play very well. You can see that they communicate very well on the pitch and they are key to the club's success this year.”

Eboué also praised the attitude and leadership within the squad.

“This team has so many young players, and they look so happy when they are playing together. Saka is still so young, but he is already a leader in this team.”

“I am so happy watching it, because they are always trying their best to win every game, and this league is not easy.”

“Declan Rice is still quite young as well, but he is playing like an experienced player. I don't have anything bad to say about this team, because I am so happy to see what they are doing every week.”

The Gunners will have to be at their best in the middle of the park when they play host to Sunderland this weekend. If you fancy backing them to pick up all three points, you can do so by using our bet365 bonus code.

Declan Rice among the best midfielders in the world

When asked whether Declan Rice has shown he is one of the best midfielders in the world this season, the ex-Arsenal man was full of praise.

“Declan Rice, he's my player. I like him a lot. He's fairly young but he plays like a very experienced player. He's very intelligent and now scores frequently too. He started as a defensive midfielder but he's now scoring and assisting. And every week, he's the same player. He's very clean when he plays, and doesn't have bad days. Every week, he's doing very well for Arsenal.”

“When Arsenal signed him, I was so happy because I knew he would do well for Arsenal. And now you can see how good he has been for Arsenal.”

“For me, for how good he is at this age, he's one of the, if not the best midfielder in the world.”

Arteta needs to give Eze more minutes

Commenting on the subject of Eze’s minutes, or lack thereof, the former Arsenal right-back stressed the importance of regular football for the midfielder.

“I know Eze very well. When he was young, he wanted to play for Arsenal. He was an Arsenal fan, even when he was playing for Crystal Palace. He was always thinking about Arsenal, so when he came, you could see that he was so happy coming to Arsenal.”

“But the problem is he was used to playing every weekend. We can see that he doesn't have enough time on the pitch. As a player that part is very difficult.”

“I think Arteta has to use him a lot more. Eze is very talented and if Arteta lets him play just like Saka, he will improve. Saka is young but he is playing every week. That is why he is such a good player.”

“I just think Arteta has to let Eze play more.”

Jurrien Timber is the best right-back in the Premier League

Finally, the Ivorian shared his thoughts on the right-back debate, backing Jurrien Timber over Reece James this season. He also compared the Dutchman’s style to his own playing days.

“Timber is the best, yes. To be honest, he's doing very well this year.”

“When I watch him play, I'm thinking of how I was when I was playing for Arsenal. He reminds me of myself. I was good at the defensive end and then I liked to go forward, make some passes and provide crosses to the attackers.”

“He's doing the same like I did, as well as Dani Alves. I like this kind of player. He's a defender but he doesn't just stay at the back and let others play. Timber, this year, he's doing very well for Arsenal and I'm very happy for him.”

Read more as Emmanuel Eboué discusses Arsenal's Premier League title hopes