Arsenal might have cruised into the 5th round of the FA Cup by beating Wigan at the weekend but there was a worry coming out of the game for current skipper, Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard didn’t play as he was rested by Mikel Arteta, presumably with the midweek clash with Wolves in mind.
Odegaard has come under some scrutiny in recent months and by his own admission, he’d accept that his level hasn’t been as high as previous seasons.
The captain currently has a small knock to get over as well which isn’t helping.
Tell us why Bukayo Saka should start in the middle ahead of Martin Odegaard…
However, when it comes to his future in the starting XI, it was Mikel Arteta’s comments on Bukayo Saka that might worry him the most.
Martin Odegaard could lose his Arsenal place to Bukayo Saka
One of the most interesting aspects of the game with Wigan was the decision to move Bukayo Saka into a more central position.
With Myles Lewis-Skelly moving to left-back as Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knock in the warm up, Saka was given a chance in the middle.
Saka impressed, too, and Mikel Arteta admitted afterwards it’s been on his mind for a while.
“That’s something that’s a possibility and I wanted to try it and we might use it in the future. There are still so many games, competitions and different scenarios to play in the season and that’s a possibility that we have,” Arteta said on Saka.
“It’s more central. It’s closer to the goal. It’s a bit more difficult for the opponent to get his reference constantly.
“He can interchange positions with the wide player as well and he’s so good at picking those spaces and when he’s there, he can really hurt you with the ball.”
These comments from Arteta are fair and should worry Odegaard.
With Declan Rice going nowhere as part of the middle three and Martin Zubimendi firmly entrenched as the player who sits in the middle, it is Odegaard’s spot that is up for grabs.
Given he is the captain, one would expect him to play every single week.
But Arteta’s admission on Saka’s future here could well see a change in the Arsenal XI.
Could Saka’s new position kickstart Odegaard?
There is a big benefit here to be had as well for Arsenal. Competition for places is always a good thing and in Saka and Odegaard, Arsenal might see two of their best talents battling it out.
In a way, that could actually help the Arsenal title push.
Arsenal fans…how many goals can you put last Mansfield Town in the 5th round of the FA Cup?
If Odegaard gets wind of Saka taking his place in the midfield, it could lead to him improving his performances and showing just why he’s so important.
Every Arsenal fan knows that when Odegaard is ticking, so are the team.
Right now, it appears he has a new fight on his hands and it’s coming from a completely unexpected place.
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