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Martin Ødegaard. The perfect short-term solution to Arsenal’s creative woes. A thread.
Arguably the most attractive feature of a potential loan move that would see Martin Ødegaard leave Real Madrid for Arsenal is the basic practicality of the deal. The 22 y/o has completed just 2.6 90s for the Spanish giants this season and is looking for a move away.
After gaining valuable experience at Real Sociedad last season, the youngster understandably expected to have more opportunities than he’s been given in the Spanish capital this campaign. In consequence, according to Marca and AS, Ødegaard has asked for permission to leave.
The fact Zinedine Zidane decided to keep hold of the Norway international this season speaks volumes of the progress he made with Real Sociedad. Ødegaard’s 0.36 goal contributions/90 were representative of an impressive return considering it was his first full season in La Liga.
Ødegaard surely caught the attention of Real Sociedad prior to his move there through an impressive 18/19 campaign with Vitesse in Holland. Aged 19, his 8 goals and 10 assists in the Eredivisie reminded many why he was so highly regarded as a 15-year-old by clubs across Europe.
After his return from Holland, Real Madrid believed it’d be important for Ødegaard to gain some LaLiga experience. With Sociedad, the Norwegian operated as both a left-sided number 8 and a number 10, something that will surely attract Mikel Arteta.
Since being welcomed into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI, Emile Smith Rowe himself has played as something of a hybrid 10/8 regularly drifting to the left. Such a role would perfectly suit Ødegaard so it’s likely he’d have little trouble adapting in that respect.
In terms of his creative numbers last season, Ødegaard portrayed his obvious talent. Providing 0.18 xA/90, 2.14 key passes/90 and 4.13 shot-creating actions/90, the Norwegian proved to be a crucial link man in Real Sociedad’s attack.
Off the ball, Ødegaard also held his weight for Sociedad. On average, he completed 4.45 successful pressing actions/90, very similar to Emile Smith Rowe’s 4.55/90 this season, so it’s likely Ødegaard would have little trouble fulfilling Arteta’s defensive needs from his number 10
An attractive aspect of Ødegaard’s game is his ability to work in a 4-3-3. His off the ball work-rate and impressive progressive passing capabilities would enable him to play on either-side of a midfield three. Perhaps on the left of Thomas Partey with ESR on the Ghanaian’s right
Another feature of his abilities which would substantiate the idea that he’d be able to play as a left-sided #8 is his ability in tight spaces. From a young age, Ødegaard’s willingness to keep the ball close to him, on a string one might say, helped to set him apart from the rest
As an #8, being able to operate in those half-spaces, constantly giving and going is essential. The comparison below doesn’t vividly identify his talent in this respect as it’s difficult to do so via statistics, so you’ll have to take my word for this one.
My general consensus here is that Smith Rowe and Ødegaard are very similar players. Neither player is old enough to play every single game of the season yet so rotating them in and out while they provide competition for each other would be great.
Given the fact it seems Ødegaard is available for a loan, making a move for him appears to be a no brainer. He can progress with us till the end of the season, provide valuable competition for Smith Rowe and help to solve our creative issues.
Of course, beyond the end of the season, there are further options. We could look to loan him again, or even buy him permanently if he proves to be a hit in north London. If not, a six-month loan would cost very little and we could leave the move in the past. Go for it, @Arsenal.
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Thank you if you’ve taken the time out of your day to have a read of this analysis. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you retweeted/liked my work. Feel free to give myself and @wlyablog a follow for more analytical threads. Cheers
![[END OF THREAD]Thank you if you’ve taken the time out of your day to have a read of this analysis. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you retweeted/liked my work. Feel free to give myself and @wlyablog a follow for more analytical threads. Cheers](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsMCAuCXAAYDX8g.jpg "[END OF THREAD]Thank you if you’ve taken the time out of your day to have a read of this analysis. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you retweeted/liked my work. Feel free to give myself and @wlyablog a follow for more analytical threads. Cheers")
Thank you if you’ve taken the time out of your day to have a read of this analysis. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you retweeted/liked my work. Feel free to give myself and @wlyablog a follow for more analytical threads. Cheers
Likes/RTs appreciated @ltarsenal @watmanAFC @LeGrove @afclucy @arsenalnewsasit @WorldwideAFC @afcjxmes @PainInThArsenal @AFCMax9 @afcstuff @DailyAFC @afcDW @TheArsenalog @arsenalrising @arseblog
Just lastly, here’s a little comp of Ødegaard’s best moments with Sociedad from @madridistatvYT on YouTube. Comps can of course be misleading but this gives a good insight into his technical ability. Thanks again for reading
