It’s a testament to Martin Odegaard’s impressive form that Mikel Arteta is asked to extol the virtues of the Norway international in almost every press conference.
While it took him a couple of months to get up to speed following his permanent move from Real Madrid, the 23-year-old has since been handed the keys to Arsenal’s midfield and is relishing the responsibility.
While the headline goal involvement statistics (assists + goals) favour Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, Odegaard’s role has been pivotal in recent weeks, no better exemplified than his passes in the build-up to both goals against Wolves in last week’s 2-1 win.
“Martin for us is a really important player, that’s for sure,” said Arteta ahead of Sunday’s trip to Watford.
“He’s showing that every single week. He’s phenomenal to work with. He’s developing areas of his game that we discussed, that he agreed, and that we believed could help him impact matches in a much more powerful way.
“His whole mindset, the way he prepares himself, the way he treats people, the way he plays the game, is just exactly what we want from an Arsenal player.”
Of course, there remain areas that can be improved. Being the grease in the wheels is one thing, making decisive match-winning contributions another.
“He needs to play close to the opponents’ box, for sure,” added Arteta.
“He needs to create more goals, he needs to score more goals, he needs to make more runs in behind, he needs to be closer to the strikers to give them support, and he can do that.
“He needs to score more free kicks. He can still contribute more on our set-pieces. His defensive work is phenomenal. There are areas where he can only get better, and the only way to get better is to agree on them, and then practise.”
After several seasons spent on loan away from Real Madrid, the fact that Odegaard is able to put down roots and develop on-pitch relationships with his teammates is helping.
In an interview with Norwegian station TV2 (translated by Reddit user Lefeseman92), he explained: “I feel I have become more important for the team and taken up more space. I have really found my position and connections to those around me. It has gotten better and better.
He added: “We have worked a lot with our game, which makes me look better too.”
While Odegaard’s range of passing always catches the eye, so too does his willingness to put in a defensive shift. He credits a spell with Dutch side Vitesse for helping him develop that side of his game.
“I have always been a strong runner,” he said. “I have been among those who have run the most in all the clubs I have played for. I may have developed the defensive in the game a little more, so it seems more now that I win more balls, am a little stronger and take more return runs than people notice.
“I cracked a code there [at Vitesse]. I took a few steps on that bit, and since then it has gotten a little and a little better.
He added: “I think my strengths are first and foremost with the ball, but then I have developed without it and it is becoming more and more important in today’s football.
“Things you got away with just four or five years ago, you do not get away with today. You are even more dependent on the team than before, and then everyone has to do a job, no matter what kind of qualities you have and where you play on the field.
“If you want to succeed as a team and really be at the top, you have to have eleven men working your arse off.”
Odegaard has spoken positively in the recent past about the way Arteta’s Arsenal project is developing. With 14 games of the season remaining, all eyes are on securing a place in the Champions League, something that seemed inconceivable prior to his return in the late summer.
“We are in the process of building something very good,” he said.
“We have lots of young, promising players and some a little older, more experienced. The mix is very nice. I feel we are getting better and better, our game is coming out more clearly, and we have become much more solid defensively.
“The big goal for this year is the top four and the Champions League. I believe and hope we can do it. Then we get to set new goals after that.”
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It’s well worth reading the full overview/translation of the Odegaard interview. Thanks again to Reddit user Lefseman92 for taking the time to share.
Hi Martin – please a word or two with your mate Erling. Cheers.
Or Alexander. Or both.
I’d love it, but I can’t help but assume he will go to City, particularly given his father’s connection.
Considering how often Arteta praises him, I’d say Martin is the favourite to become our next captain.
He seems to be an intelligent and hard-working player, well-liked and respected by his teammates, still very young yet already vastly experienced, so it’s fine by me – even though I still hold a soft spot for Tierney in my heart.
He’s a class act! Look forward to his success over many years with us.
“If you want to succeed as a team and really be at the top, you have to have eleven men working your arse off.”
I really hope that’s a misquote.
A lot of people are calling for him to take the captaincy and, to a degree, I get where they’re coming from. I just wonder though if bestowing him with the armband might have a detrimental affect on his game. We need him focused on creating chances and linking up play together with defensive duties when out of possession. That doesn’t mean we won’t benefit from his leadership qualities, in the same way as Ramsdale. I’d be inclined to give Tierney the nod, but it’ll be interesting to see who Arteta eventually chooses once Lacazette has hung up his boots… Read more »
Let’s not put pressure on him to score goals, please.
He should keep developing and focusing on linking the back half of the team to the front half.
Love this guy. Talent and technique are clearly important but he’s got the attitude to match which sets him apart.