Martin Odegaard has been excellent for Arsenal this season after signing in the summer transfer window. His impressive displays have been epitomised by the fact that he has created the most chances in the league since November.
Towards the end of last season and the start of this campaign, Arsenal were crying out for a player who could create chances. But Odegaard has certainly filled this void and is a major factor in the Gunners’ push for Champions League football next season.
The signing of the Norwegian was criticised by some fans after an average loan spell with the club in the previous campaign. However, Arteta has trusted him and given him the maximum responsibility, with which Odegaard has thrived.
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Odegaard has created 48 chances in the Premier League since November, which is more than any other player in the division. Kevin De Bruyne follows in a close second place with 46 chances created and Trent Alexander-Arnold is third with 45.
The Norway international has been crucial to Mikel Arteta’s side's improved build-up play this season. He has been key factor behind why the club can boast the third-highest expected goals in the league since December 17.
The inability to create chances at the start of the season was a critical problem for the Gunners, who failed to score in each of their opening three games.
However, since Odegaard’s £30million (with potential add-ons) move to the club in late August, Arteta’s side have become one of the most creative sides in the league and the Norwegian's creativity has been a key reason for the Gunners finding themselves in an increasingly healthy position to qualify for the Champions League ahead of next season.
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 was highlighted in Arsenal’s midweek win over Chelsea as he played an important role in Arsenal’s surprising 4-2 win.
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.
