The 2019/20 Championship despite its suspension has arguably been one of the frantic and exciting in recent memory, from the pinnacle of the league table to the bottom has seen some fantastic battles as teams fight to gain promotion to the English top-flight or duel to avoid the dreaded relegation down to League One.
One commendable element throughout the season has been the emergence of some sparkling, electrifying talents that have taken the whole competition by storm this season.
A special mention must be given to QPR and England Under-21 international Eberechi Eze. The attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the country’s most elite young midfielders. 14 goals and 8 assists in what’s been a remarkable breakthrough season for the 21-year-old. As a result, its got a few of the Premier League big boys reportedly interested in services such as Tottenham, Arsenal, West Ham & Crystal Palace.
So without further ado, lets delve into the profile and emergence of Eberechi Eze:
Who is Eberechi Eze?
Born in Greenwich, London to Nigerian parents. Eze appeared as a youth prospect for Millwall, before eventually being released in 2016. However, despite working a few jobs here and there in Tesco and continue studying in college, he was picked up on trial by Queen Park Rangers which turned out to be a successful one for him, impressing technical director Chris Ramsay.
In August 2016, he signed his first professional contract for the club, shortly after his seventeenth birthday. After impressing for the youth team, he eventually was handed his first team in January 2017 in an FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers. His debut was cut short, however, picking up a minor injury which meant he only featured for 18 minutes.
The following August, he joined Wycombe Wanderers on-loan until January, where he made a total of 22 appearances for the club, scoring 5 goals. He aided the club in gaining promotion to League One, putting in some inspiring performances until he was eventually recalled by his parent club.
After being recalled, Eze featured sparingly for then-manager Ian Holloway, making 16 appearances during the 2017/18 campaign. He scored his first goal for QPR in March 2018 against Sunderland in a 1-0 victory.
Holloway left QPR in 2018, and was replaced by Steve McClaren for the following campaign, in which Eze was significantly handed the number 10 shirt. He shortly signed a new three-year deal, lasting till June 2021. Last season saw him feature heavily for McClaren, appearing 42 times, scoring 4 times.
Under Mark Warburton this season though, Eze has come on leaps and bounds, not only placing himself as a key figure for the side, but also becoming one of the Championship’s most consistent performers scoring 12 times and assisting a further 8 goals.
What is Eberechi Eze’s style? Is he that good?
Ebere Eze is a creative phenomenon. Well-versed in the art of creating chances for his team-mates and also fashioning out chances for himself also. The England under-21 international is a very rare talent, a player who’s extraordinary abilities derive from his preference to always have the ball at his feet. Give the ball to him, and he’ll conjure up magic out of nothing.
The 21-year-old has lined up this season in a variety of positions under Mark Warbuton this season. As an inside-forward, a number 10, on the right wing, centre-midfield and a traditional wide-midfielder depending on the tactic and mentality Warburton chooses. No matter the position he’s deployed in, Eze will always find a way to become an influential force.
Though, the position you’d get the best of him in at No.10 or as an inside-forward. It’s within these positions where Eze really comes alive. Whether its come inside on to his right foot to wreak havoc in between the lines, in the half spaces, or totally out manoeuvre his marker on the outside, the midfielder has no problems forming opportunities.
So good in the dribble, nimble footwork, you couldn’t count how many times the midfielder has performed an outrageous nutmeg on defenders and its through these unbelievable skills and positional understanding that has propelled him to stardom. Eze performs 3 dribbles per game, its the hallmark of his abilities and defenders cannot live with it. His showboating skills may seem spontaneous, but most of it isn’t, Eze has holds a picture of what he’s about to do before he receives a pass.
It’s his incredible strength, balance and the ability to shield the ball that makes it difficult for defenders to nick the ball off him. Give him space, and he’ll use it to good effect. Put 3 defenders on him, and he’ll still find away to relieve pressure through his amazing ball-work.
What’s also notable of Eze is his vision and ability to pick out passes that few midfielders in the whole division that pick out. He records almost 2 key passes per game, showing his influence and incisiveness within the final third. He’s not afraid to try something new, which his shown in the fact that he’s dispossessed 1.9 times per game.
Ebere Eze is a risk-taker, a player who thrives under pressure and is incredibly effective within the midfield-attacking thirds. It’s difficult to pick out such talents in the whole division, and its why Eze regularly stands out. He’s fouled an astonishing 2.5 times per game meaning defenders are very much aware of the danger he poses.
Eze is also effective in set-pieces also, not only is he QPR’s most influential creative force but also he’s their designated set-piece taker, from corners and free-kicks. He puts such emphasis on a measured shot power and accuracy to make sure he try and works the goalkeeper. Eze is also well-versed in his long-rage shots. His technique from his set-pieces means he’s also carried that through to his long-rage shooting, whether with much power and accuracy or catching the keeper out at his near post.
The midfielder’s goal against West Brom on the last day of the 2019/20 Championship season was simply outstanding, latching onto a through ball, on the right-side of the penalty box he then audaciously lobbed-shot Sam Johnstone in the West Brom goal, in to the top corner. A goal truly representing of his tremendous talents.
What does the future hold for Eze?
Eze shows such a unique and incredible blend of qualities in his game, becoming so vital in just about every department of QPR’s attacking moves, he wants to get involved and shows a confidence in his efforts that so few can match. If he carries on at such levels, there’s no reason why he can’t buck his trend amongst the Premier League elite.
Clubs such as West Ham and Crystal Palace are indeed lacking in the creative department right now and there’s no better option than Ebere Eze. He’s a homegrown talent, he’s young and holds the mentality to better himself and improve. It’s important to also note that Eze may also find it more convenient to ply his trade at a mid-table side in the Premier League, becoming a small-effective fish in a not so big pond.
The midfielder requires an environment which will allow him the luxury to discover his true potential and provide the opportunity for much game time as well as unnecessary pressure to stand out. Crystal Palace are the latest to register a bid for the midfielder, which reportedly has been rejected:
Wherever Eze ends up in the near future, its a certainty that the midfielder will go on to become one of his generation’s most prestigious talents, if he isn’t already.
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