Opinion: Arteta should unleash Odegaard in a new Arsenal role

Mikel Arteta values versatility, and with such players, he often looks to catch opponents off guard by playing them out of position to capitalise on the element of surprise. He has done this with a number of his Arsenal stars, including Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard in striking roles. Yet there are tactical switches he […] The post Opinion: Arteta should unleash Odegaard in a new Arsenal role appeared first on Just Arsenal News.

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Opinion: Arteta should unleash Odegaard in a new Arsenal role

Mikel Arteta values versatility, and with such players, he often looks to catch opponents off guard by playing them out of position to capitalise on the element of surprise.

He has done this with a number of his Arsenal stars, including Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard in striking roles. Yet there are tactical switches he continues to overlook, ones that could truly elevate this Arsenal side.

Odegaard at LCM

Gooners have long called for Arteta to trial Martin Odegaard at left central midfield, where the Norwegian’s verticality becomes a real weapon.

It is a tactical ploy Arteta ought to consider, but so far, he has not.

In Norway’s emphatic 11-1 win over Moldova, where Odegaard bagged two assists and a goal, the Arsenal skipper repeatedly drifted into the left half space and caused havoc from there.

Operating in that zone, he looked far more direct and incisive. He also appeared more creative and dangerous, unlike the RCM version of Odegaard, who often overthinks and misplaces passes.

It should not be complicated. Arteta could switch Odegaard to the left and deploy Declan Rice on the right, where the England international has also impressed on international duty.

With summer signing Eberechi Eze tipped to take over the LCM role, there is every chance he will raise the bar. But with squad rotation in play, Arteta should still explore the Odegaard at LCM option.

It might unleash the playmaker monster lurking in his skipper.

Odegaard vs Moldova: by the numbers

90 minutes played
1 goal
2 assists
10 rating completed
7 total shots
43% successful dribbles
135 touches
83% pass accuracy
100% cross accuracy
16 duels won
60% ground duels won

One can only hope he carries that momentum back to Arsenal and delivers a masterclass against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates.

Your thoughts welcome in the comments.

Daniel O
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