After Arsenal’s incredible 6-0 victory against West Ham on Sunday, the headlines went out to Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice for their numerous goal contributions, but the Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard went slightly under the radar after setting a new Premier League record.
Bukayo Saka managed to get himself two stunning goals, and Arsenal’s star summer signing Declan Rice, with two assists and a phenomenal goal, sealed Arsenal’s flawless afternoon. This left the Gunners level on points with second-place Manchester City, and two points behind the league leaders Liverpool.
Whilst the captain did not manage to get his name on the scoresheet against their fellow London rivals, he became the first Premier League player to complete over 100 passes (107), create at least five chances (seven) and assist multiple goals (two) in the same game since the records began in 2003-04.
Following Arsenal’s biggest-ever away win against the Hammers, Odegaard spoke on his shift in midfield, he said: “I’m happy to contribute to scoring goals and to win games. And I think when we play like we did today, I think it’s easier for everyone to shine as well. That’s what we saw today, everyone enjoying their football and playing well together, and then it’s easier for everyone.”
“It’s been a joy since I was handed the armband and I enjoyed every moment. I’ve said it many times, I love this team and I love what we’re doing. We’re going to keep pushing and keep improving and hopefully, we can improve all the time.”
With so many players performing at their best, Odegaard’s midfield dictation and creativity can sometimes be overlooked. He has proven to be one of Arsenal’s most consistent and reliable players, always giving 100% and driving the team through difficult moments. These are no doubt just some of the numerous reasons as to why he is best suited to the Arsenal armband.
On 27th January 2021, Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan until the end of the season. In such a short space of time, he proved his worth in the side and became one of the faces of Arsenal’s rebuild under Mikel Arteta. In the summer, he made his move to North London permanent for just £30 million, in what looks to be one of the best value signings in the Premier League.
Since joining the Gunners, he has shown he can be both a clinical finisher and a proper team player with 27 goals and 18 assists in 108 Premier League appearances. As well as this he provides so much off the ball, last season being the highest-pressing midfielder in the Premier League, surpassing Kevin De Bruyne and many others.
When watching him in an Arsenal shirt, he always seems to run the game and will always be covering the most ground, sometimes making it look like he’s playing four different positions at the same time. He is the full package and truly a player of so many talents. Given the fact that he is still only 25 years old, his ceiling remains so high and he is a player that is crucial for the future of Arsenal.
The post Opinion: Captain Fantastic – Martin Odegaard, the glue in this Arsenal side appeared first on AFTV.
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