Martin Odegaard joined Arsenal back in January for the remainder of the season. In his short loan spell, the Norwegian impressed Mikel Arteta with his abilities on the pitch. He was the club’s top target this summer, but the youngster was expected to return to Real Madrid and fight for his place.
The tide seems to have changed. Reports suggest that the 22-year-old’s transfer back to Arsenal is already in the advanced stages. Now that he is on the verge of completing a return, let us look at what he brings to this Arsenal side.
The Gunners endured one of their worst seasons in the Premier League last year and failed to qualify for European football in over two decades. But, they managed to improve the performances in the latter stages of the previous campaign.
The creative spark provided by Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard was a major factor behind this improvement. Many fans fear that signing the Norway captain could hinder Smith Rowe’s progress. However, previously they both have played together.
Smith Rowe operates in the wider areas while Odegaard plays like a traditional number 10. He has the freedom to roam freely in the central part of the pitch. When they both coexist in the team, it adds an extra element of creativity.
The Norwegian’s passing ability is considered to be one of the best in world football. He often breaks the lines with his incisive passing. He is always forward-thinking with his progressive passes. Another impressive aspect of his game is his ability to dribble past challenges.
Although Odegaard is not the quickest, he skips past players with ease. Since Arteta emphasises on playing from the back, this aspect of his game can be particularly helpful to evade the opposition press.
Odegaard makes exceptional deliveries from set pieces. During his loan spell, he was given the responsibility of taking corners which he performed really well. He also creates shooting opportunities for himself at the edge of the 18-yard box by disguising a through pass. He cuts inside to his favorite left foot before unleashing a lethal shot.
The defensive side of the game is on par with his attacking game. He is willing to track back for the team and retrieve possession in crucial areas of the pitch. He fits perfectly into Arteta’s system. No wonder the Spaniard was keen on retaining his services.
If the reported fee of £30million is true, then the club have pulled off a great deal. In this day and age where football clubs break the bank to sign a creative midfielder, this is a cheap yet very good acquisition. At the age of 22, Odegaard can only improve as the season progresses and this signing could be the start of a great rejuvenation for Arsenal.
Read More: Arsenal – Should Mikel Arteta revert to the reliable 3-4-3 formation
