Former Manchester United and Everton legend Wayne Rooney has tipped Eberechi Eze to be the key player who will help Arsenal get the best out of their new striker, Viktor Gyokeres, this season.

Eze, who recently joined the Gunners from Crystal Palace in a £67.5 million deal, made his debut during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The midfielder replaced Gabriel Martinelli in the second half but could not help Arteta’s side avoid defeat.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney stressed that Arsenal must find a way to improve their creativity in open play — and Eze could be central to that.

“They [Arsenal] have brought in Eze, so I would like to see more attacking in open play to score and create goals from different opportunities rather than set pieces,” Rooney said.

“Arsenal need to find a way to play with Gyokeres in the team. Eze will come into that. They’ve got some new players but it is the same Arsenal.”

Arsenal have struggled to create enough chances in big matches, a weakness that cost them against Liverpool. With Eze’s flair and vision, many fans and pundits believe he could form a dangerous partnership with Gyokeres and help Arsenal become more effective in attack.