Martin Odegaard, the main man at Emirates and the captain of the Gunners, has been called the most ‘important’ player in the Premier League. According to former **Arsenal**defender Martin Keown, this is so since he feels that no one compares to the influence of Odegaard, especially after returning from injury.
A Deep Impact By The Absence Of Odegaard
Martin missed much of the early season because of injuries. In this period, the Gunner’s form had seriously dropped. They could manage only three wins in seven games. Creativity seemed to be missing and lacked dominant play. Fans and pundits alike realized the difference Odegaard’s presence made.
His return has happened in consonance with the revival of Arsenal. Since their comeback, they have managed a draw 1-1 with Chelsea and won with a huge margin of 3-0 against Nottingham Forest. In the Champions League, they thrashed Sporting CP 5-1. These performances have underscored Odegaard’s position as a key to the side.
Odegaard Brings Arsenal Back On Track
With Odegaard pulling the strings in midfield, Arsenal looks revitalized. He is giving the Gunners that vision and ability to dictate play, which has made the team more dynamic. As such, confidence is growing within the squad, hoping to compete with Liverpool and Man City for the EPL title.
The return of the Norwegian has brought more than just results. Arsenal has become much more fluid, inventive in play. His presence on the field has elevated the morale of the whole squad.
Keown’s Praise for Odegaard
Martin Keown has not been shy about singing the praises of Arsenal captain. He cited the statistics of Odegaard as proof of his significance. Odegaard has created 102 chances this season, and that is the highest tally in the EPL. He has also retrieved the ball 41 times in the final third.
Keown emphasized how Odegaard impacts Arsenal’s game both in and out of possession. “He’s created more chances than anyone and retrieved the ball in critical areas,” Keown stated. “I’m struggling to think of a more important player in the league right now.”
An Impressive Comeback
Many have been impressed by how Odegaard can jump into action after six weeks. His fitness and dedication while recovering are evident. Keown suggested that the Gunners became predictable in the absence of Odegaard. The team lacked creativity and cutting edge in the final third.
Since his return, Arsenal’s attack has been revitalized. Odegaard has managed the midfield very effectively, which has helped other players to flourish. He has also had a very good leadership effect as a captain in holding concentration and belief within the team.
Odegaard: Past Glories and Future Challenges
Odegaard’s brilliance was on full display when Arsenal last visited West Ham in February. The Gunners emerged with a stunning 6-0 victory. In that game, Martin created seven chances and had two assists. It was a masterclass in midfield play.
As the Gunners prepare for yet another London derby against West Ham, hopes are high to repeat the performance. This time, Odegaard will be a very crucial factor for them as they look to keep their winning form.
Arsenal’s Title Hopes
Odegaard’s return has revived Arsenal’s title hopes. With him playing the orchestrator, the Gunners are back in serious contention. Competing with heavyweights like Man City and Liverpool is no easy task, but Odegaard gives Arsenal that little edge.
His ability to control games and create chances makes him very crucial. Arsenal will rely on him to keep their momentum throughout the season.
Conclusion
Martin Odegaard is proving why he stands high on the list of the most important players in the Premier League. All his performances and influence over Arsenal’s results speak to his good stats. The Gunners now have a leader that can inspire the team to do great things.
With Odegaard, the Arsenal fans can look forward to this season with more hope. When he was back, the team did not only regain creativity but also regained confidence in what they were doing.
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