One incredible stat now proves that £30m Arsenal star ‘is back to his best’

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Arsenal star Martin Odegaard looks to have hit top form once again.

In recent weeks Martin Odegaard has struggled for form and fitness. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted that the club captain has been playing through pain at times this season, and he was even sidelined for a few matches.

However, across his last two outings, the Norwegian playmaker has looked sharp and at the peak of his powers once again. Against Luton Town on Tuesday night he was a dynamic presence throughout, knitting things together for the Gunners in the middle of the park.

At the death, with the scores level at 3-3, with the penultimate touch of the match, Odegaard delivered a perfect arcing cross into the Luton penalty area. With the final touch of the game, Declan Rice was able to flick this delivery into the back of the net, extending the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table and sending the travelling fans into raptures at Kenilworth Road.

Odegaard showed remarkable composure in that vital moment to produce the ball that unlocked the Hatters’ defence.

In the previous match, against Wolves, Odegaard was equally impressive, getting on the scoresheet on that occasion.

So far this season, after 19 appearances across all competitions, the 24-year-old has racked up seven goals and three assists.

Martin Odegaard output ramps up as Arsenal midfield finds its groove

One key stat, shared by Sofascore, highlights just how influential Odegaard has been in his last two matches. They state that “Martin Ødegaard made 11 key passes in his last two appearances for Arsenal (6 v Wolves/5 v Luton Town), which is more than he made in his previous 9 appearances for the club (10). Gunners’ captain is back to his best.”

Odegaard’s importance to Arsenal, when he is at his best, can hardly be overstated. It is vital that the 55-cap Norway international is able to stay fit and in form throughout the remainder of this campaign. Even if the £30 million former Real Madrid man is now being singled out as a target by opposition defences, he still has the quality to produce special, match-defining moments. 

One factor which may have impacted Odegaard’s earlier, sub-par performances, beyond his injury, is the fact that he is having to get used to being part of a new-look midfield trio. Declan Rice and Kai Havertz both arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the recent summer transfer window. Odegaard is now building relationships with his new partners in the middle of the park, and it seems that the Gunners’ freshened-up midfield contingent is starting to really click into gear.