Martin Odegaard has had a difficult season at Arsenal due to injuries.
The Norwegian has almost always been available in previous campaigns, but this time, things have been very different. He has missed 22 games across all competitions due to multiple injury issues.
Odegaard’s form has also not been at the same level as before, which has raised some concerns. However, Mikel Arteta remains a huge admirer of his captain.
The Arsenal boss has now explained what makes Odegaard so special.
Tell us, will Martin Odegaard’s return win Arsenal the league?
Mikel Arteta says Martin Odegaard has a quality nobody else has
Martin Odegaard’s influence on the Arsenal team goes far beyond just goals and assists.
Arteta believes his captain’s importance is often underestimated because of things that people don’t pick during games or because they do not show up in statistics.
The Spaniard explained that Arsenal are a much better side when the midfielder is available and claimed that they have really missed him this season.
Furthermore, Arteta hailed Odegaard for his ability to glue the team together and make things flow, which is a trait that nobody else at the club has.
He said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “I think, obviously, he has had a very difficult season in terms of the days that he has missed, the amount of games, which is very unusual. He’s a player who needs that rhythm, who needs to be very connected to the team.
“Not only has he missed that opportunity, but the team, as well, has missed him so much for what he brings. Some things probably go unnoticed to the public or, in general, are not in those stats, but it is much more profound within the team and the identity of this team.
“So, we need him at his best. We need him constantly with us because we are a much better team when Martin is in and around the team.”
When asked to explain what exactly people miss, the Arsenal manager added: “He is the one who connects everybody, who glides everybody together, who makes the team flow in a way that nobody else can do that.
“That is a huge quality to have.
“He’s the captain, he’s the leader, he’s the one who sets the tone in probably every phase of play for us, and he is always such an intelligent person that he can adapt and modify the game when we need to in 10 seconds.”
That is perhaps why Arteta is desperate to keep Odegaard despite all the calls to sell him.
Explain your answer: Keep or sell Martin Odegaard?
Arsenal need Martin Odegaard back as soon as possible
Arsenal are in a strong position to win both the Premier League and the Champions League titles this season.
To maximise their chances, they need all of their key players fit and available, and Odegaard is especially important because of his creativity and ability to control games.
As Arteta explained, the Norwegian is the one who makes the team function smoothly, and without him, they tend to struggle to unlock stubborn defences.
There is a chance Odegaard could miss the match against Bournemouth due to another knee injury, which would be a big blow.
However, Arsenal fans will be hoping he is back in time for the huge clash against Manchester City at the Etihad. That is a game where his presence could make all the difference.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
