If you’re an established Arsenal midfielder right now or more specifically, Martin Odegaard, then teenage sensation Max Dowman could be an issue.
Dowman completed his meteoric rise to the top by helping Arsenal beat Everton yesterday and in doing so become the youngest Premier League goal scorer of all-time.
Still, with Odegaard missing games through injury lately and his form having dipped all season, the youngster could actually be a problem for the club captain.
Answer honestly: Are Arsenal dropping any more points this season?
Max Dowman is the readymade Martin Odegaard replacement at Arsenal
This time last year, it would have seemed unfathomable to even suggest that Arsenal moved on from Martin Odegaard.
However, this season has been nowhere near what we come to expect from the Arsenal captain, albeit he looks likely to go on and be the one to lift the title.
Odegaard’s spate of niggling injuries and a lack of consistency have stood out a mile in this Arsenal squad and at times, it looked like he’s only kept his place due to a lack of options.
Now, though, with Max Dowman bursting onto the scene and doing everything that Odegaard can do and more in his cameos, the pressure is on the Norwegian.
Of course, Odegaard’s experience is there and in no way is this suggesting he has lost it completely. In fact, he remains crucial to the Gunners.
However, it has eased the pressure on Arsenal should they ever decide to cash in or get an offer they can’t refuse for Odegaard. This season, Odegaard has managed just a single goal all season in 26 games, with just five assists.
For a player of his quality and stature, it’s just not good enough and seeing Dowman break into the team must fill Odegaard with an element of worry.
Sure enough, Odegaard will likely be a mentor to Dowman and look to nurture his talent and help him develop. But come the summer months, Odegaard also knows he’s a fight on his hands to keep his place.
Ultimately, this might be a good thing for Odegaard and Arsenal. With added pressure, it might well see Odegaard work hard to get back to his best. If that happens, then it’s only a benefit for the club.
One thing is for sure, though, and that is that Dowman has put the league and everyone else at Arsenal on notice.
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