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Why Martin Ødegaard is a good solution to Arsenal’s creative problems.
A thread:
A thread:
Martin Ødegaard has been someone tipped for greatness since the age of 15. When Real Madrid snapped him up in 2014, he was dubbed “The Norwegian Messi.” Following a stint at Real Sociedad, Arsenal look set to snap the midfielder up on a 6-month loan.
In this thread, I will discuss:
- Ødegaard’s background
- His style of play
- His key stats
- Why it’s a good move for Arsenal
- Ødegaard’s background
- His style of play
- His key stats
- Why it’s a good move for Arsenal
BACKGROUND
Ødegaard made his professional debut at the age of 16 for Stromsgodset, breaking a number of records. In 2015, he joined Real Madrid and became Los Blancos’ youngest ever debutant. However, things have not gone to plan since then.
Ødegaard made his professional debut at the age of 16 for Stromsgodset, breaking a number of records. In 2015, he joined Real Madrid and became Los Blancos’ youngest ever debutant. However, things have not gone to plan since then.
It started with an 18-month long loan to Heerenveen in 2017, followed by season-long loans at Vitesse and Real Sociedad respectively. He rekindled some of that old interest with a standout campaign at the Spanish side last season, racking up 3 goals and 6 assists.
STYLE OF PLAY
Ødegaard operates as a number 10. He was usually deployed behind the striker for Sociedad last season who had license to roam across the front third. This allows him to attack from different channels and help the build-up, as well as progress from deep.
Ødegaard operates as a number 10. He was usually deployed behind the striker for Sociedad last season who had license to roam across the front third. This allows him to attack from different channels and help the build-up, as well as progress from deep.
He excels at passing and has a very good range on him. Another strength of Ødegaard’s is his fantastic technique and dribbling skills, similar to Houssem Aouar. He’s usually the first man to win back possession in the final third, but isn’t the first to drop deeper when needed.
KEY STATS
When it comes to traditional attacking midfielder metrics, it becomes clear that he’s more in the Aouar mold as opposed to the Ozil mould. Ødegaard put up 0.18 xA p/90 last season (similar to Aouar) and put up 15 goal creating actions.
When it comes to traditional attacking midfielder metrics, it becomes clear that he’s more in the Aouar mold as opposed to the Ozil mould. Ødegaard put up 0.18 xA p/90 last season (similar to Aouar) and put up 15 goal creating actions.
As stated previously, he’s an excellent passer and dribbler. He put up 2.14 key passes and 4.13 shot-creating actions per 90. Like ESR, he presses a lot, with 4.45 pressing actions per 90 (ESR has 4.55 p/90).
Ødegaard likes to occupy half-spaces, similar to someone like Szoboszlai, evident in his 29.2 touches in the attacking third, which is higher than ESR’s 26.4 this season. That’s important, as finding those little pockets of space is vital. This is where ESR excels.
CONCLUSION
Ødegaard is very similar to Aouar. Both aren’t creators who will generate loads of chances, but will create in other areas. The Norweigian seems to more of a hybrid 8/10, rather than a traditional 10 like ESR.
Ødegaard is very similar to Aouar. Both aren’t creators who will generate loads of chances, but will create in other areas. The Norweigian seems to more of a hybrid 8/10, rather than a traditional 10 like ESR.
A six-month loan deal is relatively risk free, as it should be very cheap. Ideally, there would be an option to buy included, but if not there are other options. Ødegaard has expressed his desire to leave and Zidane looks keen to sell him.
Your move, @Arsenal.
Your move, @Arsenal.
Sources used:
- @DKostanjsak's Total Football Analysis article: https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/tactical-analysis-martin-odegaard-scout-report-tactics
- All numbers from @fbref: https://fbref.com/en/players/79300479/Martin-Odegaard
- @DKostanjsak's Total Football Analysis article: https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/tactical-analysis-martin-odegaard-scout-report-tactics
- All numbers from @fbref: https://fbref.com/en/players/79300479/Martin-Odegaard
Cheers for reading, RTs appreciated.
RTs appreciated.
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RTs appreciated.
@arsenalrising @ltarsenal @afcevan @HaIeEndEra @SemperFiArsenal @EduardoHagn @PatrickTimmons1 @afchxrsh @AFCGally @AFC_Carys @AFCMax9 @arseblog @PainInThArsenal @gunnerblog @afcjxmes @scoutingindoors @TheArsenalog
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