Eberechi Eze says fellow South Londoner Nketiah can go as ‘high as he wants’ – and discusses his own international allegiance

BY SAM SMITH AND ANDREW MCSTEEN

Eberechi Eze has insisted that the potential of fellow South Londoner Eddie Nketiah can be “as high as he wants”.

Lewisham-born Nketiah has had a successful start to the season. The Arsenal striker has scored three times and also became England U21s’ highest ever goal-scorer after netting his 14^th goal at that level during the last international break.

Nketiah has managed the feat in just 12 appearances. He overtook Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers who both had 13.

And Crystal Palace midfielder Eze, born in Greenwich, feels that the media should allow the forward the space to reach his potential.

Eze said: “He is a great striker. He’s got goal after goal everyone knows that.

“In terms of what you guys should be doing (in the media), I don’t know. I think you should leave him alone and let him continue doing what he’s doing and reach the heights that he can do without the pressure of everyone else putting anything on him.

“In terms of his level and his ability, he can go as high as he wants and that is the important thing about him.”

Eze was speaking during a press conference while away on international duty with England U21s.

The 22-year-old has represented the Three Lions at U20 and U21 level but is still eligible to play senior football for Nigeria.

However, Eze did not want to be drawn into commenting on possibly switching his international allegiance.

“Yes, I can [still play for Nigeria]. At the moment, I’m focused on my England U21 camp. I don’t want to put any type of pressure on myself and try to force anything now.

“I’m focused on the U21s, playing for the U21s, training, trying to play as many games as I can, and I think that’s the most important thing right now for my development.”