MY ACCOUNT
Martin Odegaard has been a resounding success with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and he continues to deliver for the Premier League leaders.
The Gunners sit seven points ahead of Manchester City and victory over Newcastle tonight would continue their momentum as they look to claim the title for the first time since 2004.
And Norwegian international Odegaard could lead the North London club to glory if he can continue his dazzling form.
Ahead of the clash against the Magpies tonight, we take a look at Arteta’s captain in more detail.
Pulling the strings
Odegaard is at the heart of almost every attacking move Arsenal produce and his ability on the ball is matched only by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Eriksen.
The 24-year-old has a phenomenal return when it comes to goal contributions this season, scoring seven times and assisting five.
His strike in the 4-2 victory over Brighton on Saturday was another example of his brilliance — meeting a half-cleared ball on the edge of the box and hitting a bouncing shot into the top corner.
Likewise, his vision for Arsenal’s fourth was terrific as he played a first-time ball over the top for Gabriel Martinelli, who charged into the final third and slotted past Robert Sanchez.
He has had a hand in more league goals this season (12 in 15 appearances) than in the entirety of 2021-22 (11 in 36 appearances).
Irreplaceable
Most Arsenal fans would tell you that they would not swap their captain for anyone following his rise in 2022.
To be trusted with the armband at such a young age is testament to the Norwegian’s leadership and maturity but he does most of his talking on the pitch.
Only De Bruyne and team-mate Bukayo Saka have provided more assists than the 47-cap international in the current campaign and no midfielder has scored more than his seven goals.
It is difficult to find a world-class playmaker in the modern game. With many teams opting to pack the midfield, Arteta instead chooses to utilise Odegaard in a more advanced role.
This has allowed the Gunners to become the second-highest scorers in the league with 40 — four behind City — and it is thanks to Odegaard that his side are flying so high.
With Pep Guardiola seemingly unable to put together a significant run in Manchester, it really does seem to be Arsenal’s title to lose.
Mixing it with the best
Odegaard averages 1.07 shots on target per 90 in the league this season, as well as 2.07 attempted take-ons and 2.36 chances created.
Furthermore, the 5ft 8in midfielder is currently scoring in every other game and recording 0.36 assists per 90.
If that was not impressive enough, Odegaard ranks in the top seven for passes completed in the final third (244) this season and averages 0.64 through balls per 90, putting him in the top 10.
He is putting up numbers similar to those of De Bruyne, who many consider the best creative midfielder in Europe.
He still has a way to go if he is to create a legacy like the Belgian maestro, but he is doing everything right and is quickly becoming adored at the Emirates.
An artist by trade
Rio Ferdinand has gone so far as to compare Odegaard to composer Mozart and believes Arsenal are the real deal this season.
Speaking after their victory over Brighton, the former Manchester United defender said: “These guys are serious, they are a serious outfit now.
“When you look through the team, they just look solid, but Odegaard needs a special mention. This guy. I said when he got given the armband it will go one of two ways.
“Either it will weigh too heavy on his shoulders or he’ll run with it. And he is running with it right now.
“This guy is playing like Mozart at the moment. He’s rolling the ball through people’s legs. He looks like a reincarnation of Mesut Ozil at his best.”
Arsenal have the chance to go 10 points clear against Newcastle with City not in action until they take on Chelsea on Thursday.
There is still a long way to go but the Gunners have shown little weakness rivals for their rivals to take aim at.
