Martin Odegaard has had an exceptional first full season with Arsenal, where he has exceeded the fans’ expectations. His impressive performances have been epitomised by his creativity that has shown the same results as Mesut Ozil.
Odegaard has been one of the first name’s on the teamsheet for Mikel Arteta this season, which was proven by the Spaniard's decision to allocate him the captain's armband towards the end of the campaign. This further proves his importance to the team.
Without the Norwegian in the midfield, Arsenal’s attacking phase of play would lack the fluidity which was proven at the start of the season when he was not in the team. The £35m transfer fee that the Gunners paid for him in the summer transfer window has shown to be a bargain.
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Odegaard ranks in second place for Arsenal’s top Premier League chance creators in the last five seasons, having set up 72 opportunities for his teammates. Only Ozil has achieved more in a single season, as he created 84 in Arsene Wenger’s final campaign as Arsenal manager.
The drop-down to third place, which is Ozil again with 45 chances created during the 2018/2019 season, highlights the quality and importance of Odegaard that he is able to be in the same bracket as Ozil when it comes to creating chances.
And it is not just Odegaard’s creativity that makes him an untouchable player in Arteta’s starting XI but also his off-the-ball work and his ability to lead the team's press that makes him so important. This has been highlighted throughout the season as The Gunners’ important away wins have been thanks to the leadership shown by the 23-year-old when leading the press.
Despite the number of chances Odegaard creates, he still only has four assists. But that is more down to the lack of clinical finishing from the players who have played in front of him this season, with Alexandre Lacazette among those on the end of crucial chances that should have been converted.
His importance to the side has been shown by Arteta as the Spaniard has made Odegaard the club captain in recent matches. He has already shown his leadership on the pitch for the Gunners without wearing the armband, and he could be made the permanent skipper for next season.
£35million for Odegaard is beginning to look like the bargain of the season. Especially if he ends the campaign with the most chances created in the Premier League.
Can Odegaard exceed Ozil's time in an Arsenal shirt? Leave a comment below to let us know.
