Martin Odegaard has received mixed reviews from his first two games of the 2025/26 season, with more to come from the skipper.
Arsenal’s captain had a difficult campaign last term, suffering an ankle injury in September that seemed to really rock the Norwegian.
Odegaard’s form was poor throughout last season, making him hungrier than ever to return to his best as the 2025/26 footballing calendar got underway.
It’s not been the easiest start, as well as attempting to find his past form, Odegaard’s claim to captaincy has been questioned, with pressure piling on the 26-year-old from all angles.
Theo Walcott prefers Eberechi Eze to Martin Odegaard
Right now, the playmaker’s only focus will be on getting fit after suffering a shoulder injury on matchday two against Leeds United.
There is some hope, as Odegaard has been called up for international duty; however, there’s no indication just when he will return, having not trained at Colney all week.
There’s a good chance that, as a result, Odegaard will miss Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield, which might present a problem for the captain, as Eberechi Eze is on hand to replace him.
Arsenal’s improved squad depth is a huge plus for Mikel Arteta, but for Odegaard, it could spell bad news.
Some believe that Eze will usurp Odegaard in the starting XI, which is something that wouldn’t surprise Theo Walcott.
Speaking to Metro Sport, Walcott was asked who he’d choose between Arsenal’s new summer signing and Arteta’s captain, to which the club icon responded, ‘Eze’.
Eze wasn’t the only player Walcott favoured over Odegaard, as he also selected Cole Palmer and Bernardo Silva ahead of the Norway international.
What Mikel Arteta has said about Eze
Ian Wright doesn’t think Eze will mind where he plays, but it’s no secret that the England international thrives in attacking midfield.
It will be fascinating to see where Arteta wants his new signing to play on his debut, though some believe Eze could start on the bench against Liverpool.
- READ MORE: Arsenal predicted XI vs Liverpool as ‘very special talent’ starts and Eberechi Eze decision made
Ahead of the clash, Arteta spoke about the Englishman’s first week, following on from reports that Eze has been ‘incredible’ in training.
When asked in his pre-match press conference if Eze could make the starting XI immediately, Arteta said:
“We have options in that position, and that’s a good thing that we have this year. Let’s see, as I said, another day, and I’m not going to give you any clues, obviously.”
The Arsenal manager was understandably eager to keep his cards close to his chest, with all eyes on what’s next for his new signing.
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