Everyone knows how good a partnership Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have formed on the right side of Arsenal’s pitch.
The two players, along with Ben White, caused opposition defenders all sorts of problems a couple of seasons ago, and they get on well with Jurrien Timber now as well.
In recent weeks, however, Odegaard has had more freedom to cut inside, and the Norway international has had a really positive impact.
By doing so, the Arsenal captain has formed a fantastic partnership with another player, and one key stat proves it – Declan Rice.
Fill the blanks: I think Martin Odegaard will end the season with a total of __ goal contributions.
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice’s partnership is paying dividends for Arsenal
Arsenal have one of the best midfields in the Premier League.
Martin Odegaard has returned to his best level in recent weeks, and behind him, Martin Zubimendi and Rice have been phenomenal almost every time they have played.
Arsenal fans have long complained that they are over-reliant on the right side. Odegaard and Saka have been brilliant on that flank, but their actions became predictable.
That is why Mikel Arteta needed to open up his pitch, and his captain has slowly formed a great partnership with Rice.
The Norwegian assisted the England star in the game against Bournemouth. It was a great pass when everyone felt that he was about to shoot.
This is not the first time the two players have combined. In fact, of Odegaard’s last five assists for Arsenal, three have been to Rice.
That is a really positive sign, and if they can improve even more, Arsenal will score plenty more goals this season.
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Imagine it’s the Champions League final tomorrow and you could only start one player out of Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard. Who are you picking and why?
Declan Rice delivers verdict on Martin Odegaard’s assists
Odegaard’s ability on the ball is unquestionable, but he has had a difficult season because of injuries.
However, when he is on the pitch, he will create chances for his teammates, and that’s exactly what he did against Bournemouth.
Speaking about his skipper after the game, Rice said, as per Arsenal.com: “He’s so intelligent.
“I mean, the way he feeds passes for you, the second one, the way he played it through to Bukayo – there aren’t many players in the world who can play those passes.
“He heard me – he was going to shoot, but he set me back, and I was so happy, because the more he assists for us, our teammates, and the more he scores, the more he’s firing, it’s going to help us do good things.”
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