One of Arsenal’s biggest strengths as a team is how acclimatised they are to Mikel Arteta’s tactical ideas..
The cohesion that this Arsenal side have played with for years is why they are such a tough team to come up against.
Mikel Arteta does not seemingly need to provide his experienced players with any new bits of insight about his philosophy but only tactical instructions about the game and the opposition in question.
However, tactics can not elevate a side to a certain extent and the calibre of personnel is what truly separates most teams from others.
Martin Odegaard, for instance is a player who has a huge influence on how Arsenal play. So much so that Arsenal are considered excessively dependent on Odegaard to play their best football.
Martin Keown believes Odegaard’s influence on this Arsenal side is to the extent that he can be considered the most important player for any one team in the Premier League.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 18, 2024 i...
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Don Hutchison: No Martin Odegaard and Arsenal could miss out on top four
Don Hutchison was quizzed about the Norwegian’s impact on the Gunners, who provided two assists off the bench as his side beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. Gabriel Jesus lauded Odegaard after he scored a hat-trick against Palace for his “amazing” passes to him.
Hutchison believes that without Odegaard, Arsenal would not even reach the top four; stressing just how key he remains.
The pundit said via ESPN FC: “I’m not even sure that Dan [Thomas], they’d in the top four. I think he’s that good.”
Don Hutchison also named Odegaard and Bukayo Saka as Arsenal’s two main men.
“Him and Bukayo Saka, sort of two-man team, I know they’ve got, fantastic players elsewhere but there’s nothing like those two to try and win a game, in form, they’ve got quality.”
Darren Bent raved about Odegaard, claiming he has been “superb” since returning from injury and against Palace, he proved his importance to this Arsenal side once again.
William Saliba admitted Arsenal are “better with” Martin Odegaard
William Saliba sang Odegaard’s praises by admitting that the London-based side are much better as a team in the presence of their captain.
“We are better with him so I hope he won’t get injured again. Of course, we have to enjoy playing with him. We can see since he’s back we are better.”
Saliba also claimed that Odegaard is one of the three best midfielders in world football, which showcases how highly he is rated at the Emirates Stadium.
“He’s top three [in the world]. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but I think top three.”
While Odegaard’s significance to how Arsenal play is undeniable, perhaps Don Hutchison’s claim that they would not even get top four without him will raise plenty of eyebrows.
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