Eberechi Eze: The Exciting English Talent From Nigeria

Eberechi Eze  is one of the most exciting young players that ply their trade in the English Premier League along the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer.

Eze’s football journey is a true story of resilience, mental strength and fortitude to overcome adversity and become a shining star in the world of football. Join Footballers’ Biography as we delve into the journey of this mercurial talent thus far.

Player Profile – Eberechi Oluchi Eze

Eberechi Eze has made a notable ascent in English football. After early rejections from Arsenal to Millwall, Eze’s perseverance led him to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 2016, where his talent flourished.

His loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers highlighted his potential, and upon returning to QPR, he earned accolades such as the EFL Championship Player of the Month and a spot in the PFA Championship Team of the Year for the 2019-2020 season.

Eze moved to Crystal Palace, where he continued to shine with his technical prowess and creativity, earning multiple Player of the Month awards.

His career, marked by resilience and exceptional skill, has established him as one of English football’s promising talents, inspiring many with his journey from early setbacks to Premier League stardom.

Player Profile Overview

Eberechi Eze’s Early Life and Background

Eberechi Eze, born on June 29, 1998, in Greenwich, South East London, is of Igbo Nigerian descent. Raised in a challenging environment, he developed a passion for football early on, playing frequently with friends in local areas.

Eze faced initial setbacks in his football career, including rejections from Arsenal, Fulham, and Millwall. However, his determination led him to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 2016, where he began to shine.

Throughout his early life, Eze’s supportive family played a crucial role in helping him navigate the difficulties he faced.

Eberechi Eze’s Playing Style and Strength

Eberechi Eze’s playing style is defined by his creativity, dribbling skills, and versatility. He is known for his excellent ball control, he glides past defenders with ease and is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or winger.

His vision allows him to make key passes and create scoring opportunities, while his calmness and composure under pressure help him make smart decisions in the final third.

Eze is also a set-piece specialist, known for his free-kicks and accurate deliveries. His intelligence on the pitch, combined with his goal-scoring ability, makes him a valuable player for Crystal Palace.

Eberechi Eze: From Arsenal Reject to Premier League Star

Eze’s football journey began in London, where he joined Arsenal’s youth academy at a young age. However, at the age of 13, Arsenal released him, considering him too small to compete at the highest level.

This was a pivotal moment in Eze’s career, and despite the setback, he remained determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

After leaving Arsenal, Eze spent time in the academies of Fulham and Reading, further honing his skills, but his breakthrough did not come at either of these clubs.

He eventually joined Millwall’s youth setup, signing a two-year scholarship in 2014. Despite showing promise, Millwall did not offer him a professional contract, and in 2016, Eze was released once again, leaving him contemplating his future in football.

Coming to Limelight with Queens Park Rangers 

Eze’s fortunes changed when Queens Park Rangers (QPR) gave him a chance in 2016. He impressed during a trial, leading QPR to sign him on a professional contract.

Eze made his senior debut for QPR on 7 January 2017 in an FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers, though his involvement was limited in his debut season.

Eberechi Eze’s Loan Move to Wycombe Wanderers

In August 2017, Eze was loaned to Wycombe Wanderers in League Two to gain valuable first-team experience. At Wycombe, Eze thrived, scoring his first senior goals with a brace against Cambridge United and quickly becoming a key player.

His performances earned him praise, and he helped Wycombe gain promotion before returning to QPR in January 2018. Eze played alongside notable teammates such as Adebayo Akinfenwa during his time at Wycombe.

Return to QPR

Upon returning to QPR, Eze became a regular in the first team under manager Ian Holloway. He scored his first goal for QPR in March 2018, a winner against Sunderland, and by the 2018–19 season, Eze had firmly established himself as one of the Championship’s brightest prospects.

Manager Steve McClaren handed him the prestigious number 10 shirt, and Eze repaid the faith by delivering a string of impressive performances. He finished the 2018–19 season with four goals and 46 appearances, showing his growing influence in the team.

Eze’s true breakthrough came in the 2019–20 season, under new manager Mark Warburton. He was the creative heart of the QPR side, scoring 14 goals and providing several assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.

His performances not only helped QPR stay competitive in the Championship but also earned him recognition as one of the league’s standout players.

He was named QPR’s Player of the Year and was also selected in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

Eberechi Eze Signing for Crystal Palace

Eze’s stunning form at QPR caught the attention of Premier League clubs, and in August 2020, Crystal Palace signed him for £17 million on a five-year deal.

He made his Palace debut on 12 September 2020 in a 1–0 win over Southampton. Eze quickly established himself as a key player for Palace, showcasing his technical ability, flair, and versatility as both an attacking midfielder and left winger.

He scored his first goal for Crystal Palace with a stunning free-kick in a 4–1 win against Leeds United. Eze went on to score key goals throughout the season, including a brilliant solo effort in a 2–0 victory over Sheffield United.

His first season in the Premier League saw him make 34 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists, further solidifying his reputation as one of England’s most promising young players.

Injury Setback

Unfortunately, a major setback occurred in May 2021 when Eze ruptured his Achilles tendon during training, ruling him out for several months.

Despite the injury, Eze returned stronger and resumed his key role at Crystal Palace under manager Patrick Vieira in the 2022–23 season. He flourished with Vieira’s tactical setup, scoring crucial goals and ending the season as Palace’s top scorer with 10 goals.

Notably, he scored braces in victories against Southampton and Bournemouth, highlighting his growing influence at the club.

Eze’s resurgence was instrumental in Crystal Palace’s successful Premier League campaign, and in November 2023, he extended his contract with the club until 2027.

His performances under the reappointed manager Roy Hodgson further cemented his place as one of the club’s key figures.

Playing with Other Elite Stars

Throughout his career, Eze has had the privilege of playing alongside talented teammates who have helped shape his career. At QPR, he played with veterans like Matt Smith and Luke Freeman, while at Crystal Palace, he has formed strong partnerships with players like Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise, and Jordan Ayew.

Eberechi Eze Represent England Over Nigeria

Eberechi Eze began his international career with England’s youth teams, making his first appearance for the England U20 team in October 2018. He debuted in a 2–1 win over Italy in the Under-20 Elite League.

He is known for his technical ability and creativity on the ball, Eze quickly became a key player in the squad. He captained the U20 team during the 2019 Toulon Tournament, where he played an integral role despite a 2–1 loss to Chile in the group stages.

In September 2019, Eze was called up to the England U21 squad, under manager Aidy Boothroyd, for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. He made his U21 debut on 15 November 2019, coming on as an 81st-minute substitute for Phil Foden in a 3–0 victory over Albania.

Eze went on to play a significant part in the U21 side’s campaign, scoring his first goal at this level in a crucial group-stage match against Croatia in the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

During his time in the youth ranks, Eze played alongside several high-profile teammates, including Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Jude Bellingham, and Callum Hudson-Odoi. These players, like Eze, went on to make significant impacts at the senior level, highlighting the strength of England’s youth setup.

Senior Debut and Euro 2024

Despite being courted by Nigeria, Eze committed to England and received his first senior call-up in May 2021 for Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for Euro 2020.

Unfortunately, an Achilles injury during training prevented him from making his debut at that time. Eberechi Eze’s long-awaited senior debut came in June 2023, when he was called up for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches.

He made his first appearance on 16 June 2023, coming on as a substitute in a 4–0 victory over Malta. His debut marked a significant moment in his career, as it officially tied him to the England national team, ending speculation over whether he would represent Nigeria.

In June 2024, Eberechi Eze was selected for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, where he played a key role as England progressed to the quarter-finals. Notably, he started his first match for England in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 3 June 2024, impressing with his creativity and vision.

During the tournament, Eberechi Eze featured in important moments, such as assisting a critical pass that led to Harry Kane’s winning goal in the round of 16 match against Slovakia.

Eze also appeared in England’s quarter-final match against Switzerland, coming on as a substitute in a penalty shootout victory.

Playing Alongside Some of The Three Lions Finest

Eberechi Eze has had the privilege of playing alongside some of England’s brightest stars during his senior international career, including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, and James Maddison.

His technical abilities and composure on the ball have earned him a reputation as one of England’s most exciting attacking midfielders.

Idols and Influence in Football

Eberechi Eze has cited Jay-Jay Okocha, the legendary Nigerian midfielder, as a significant influence and idol in his football career. Okocha, known for his flair, dribbling, and creativity, left a lasting impact on Eze, who admired his skillful style of play.

Eze has also mentioned being inspired by watching football greats like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho, both of whom were renowned for their technical brilliance and creativity. These influences have shaped Eze’s own approach to football, particularly in how he handles the ball, his dribbling ability, and his vision on the pitch.

Who Does Eberechi Eze Play Like?

Eberechi Eze’s playing style is often compared to Jack Grealish, Philippe Coutinho, James Maddison, and Wilfried Zaha.

Like Grealish, Eze excels at dribbling past defenders and creating space. His creativity and long-range shooting ability resemble Coutinho, while his playmaking from the No. 10 role draws comparisons to Maddison.

Additionally, his dribbling flair and one-on-one ability are similar to Zaha’s, making him a versatile and dynamic attacking player. He flair and composure on the ball has also drawn comparison with Nigerian legend Jay Jay Okocha.

Eberechi Eze’s Personal Life

Eberechi Eze’s mother was particularly instrumental in his early career, helping him through rejections from Arsenal and other clubs. The England superstar has two siblings, Ikechi, a footballer for Braintree Town, and Chima, who has an interest in fashion.

Eberechi Eze is related to American comedian Ego Nwodim, a cast member of Saturday Night Live. In 2023, Nwodim was spotted wearing an Eze shirt during an episode of the show.

Outside of football, Eze enjoys music, movies, and video games. He has endorsements with several brands, most notable with Adidas. Eze is a pet lover, particularly of dogs.

Conclusion

Eberechi Eze’s journey from early football rejections to becoming a Premier League star exemplifies the power of perseverance and dedication. His rise through the ranks, despite initial setbacks, showcases his resilience and commitment to the sport.

Eze’s success with Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace underscores his talent and potential, marking him as one of English football’s most exciting young players.

His story not only inspires aspiring footballers but also highlights the impact of hard work and determination in overcoming challenges and achieving one’s dreams.