Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained why Martin Odegaard is struggling at the moment.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has not been by his side in recent weeks. After suffering against Chelsea and Sevilla, the midfielder has been left out of the starting XI for the Gunners’ clash with Sheffield United on Saturday.
The north London club did well Odegaard at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal beat the Blades 5-0, and Eddie Nketiah made headlines with his first Premier League hat-trick.
Kai Havertz, along with Emile Smith Rowe, replaced Odegaard and did a good job helping Mikel Arteta’s side stay in the game.
The truth, however, is that Odegaard remains one of the club’s most productive players. It is important that the Real Madrid coach, valued at £30 million, can return to his most productive form in no time.
Arteta will be keen to get Odegaard back to his best. Speaking after the win over Sheffield United, the Spanish manager explained why he chose to bench the 24-year-old. As quoted on the club’s official website, he said: “Martin was dressed in a little thing that wasn’t very comfortable for games. . »
Arteta also revealed that Odegaard has been under a lot of pressure lately: “I think they’ve put up with it a lot. . . He had a difficult time with the national team. What happened to them was a big blow for them, but that’s football. It was given to us to keep going. He’s a huge player for us.
Norway is unlikely to qualify for Euro 2024 after a difficult qualifying campaign. It’s a blow for Odegaard, who made 55 appearances for his country.
However, as Arteta said, Odegaard is too vital for Arsenal to sink into that disappointment. The club wants it. Perhaps a short break from the action was just what he needed and now he’ll be in a position to shine again.
Odegaard has already been praised for his “excellent leadership”. Against tougher opponents, the Gunners will struggle without having their talismanic captain on the pitch and leading by example.