Eberechi Eze, the Crystal Palace and England forward, recently shared on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast how playing ‘cage’ football in London was crucial to his development as a player. Eze emphasized the importance of the skills he learned from playing in small, enclosed areas, stating that he still utilizes them in his game today. He highlighted the creativity required to navigate tight and challenging situations and the freedom to express oneself while enjoying the game.
In describing the environment of playing in cages, Eze explained that it was not limited to designated football areas but often took place in makeshift spaces like garages or concrete grounds in council estates. He pointed out the rough nature of these environments where falling over could result in cuts, but he stressed that it was all part of growing up in such areas. Eze spoke about the necessity of being creative and finding ways to express oneself while navigating challenging circumstances during his formative years.
Eze reflected on the challenging yet rewarding experience of playing ‘cage’ football in London, highlighting the need to adapt to limited resources and make the most of the available space. He emphasized the importance of creativity, resilience, and enjoyment in such environments, noting that these aspects played a significant role in shaping his skills and mindset as a player. Despite the intense pressure and competitive nature of football, Eze found solace in the freedom to express himself and have fun while playing in the unique and challenging setting of ‘cage’ football in London.