It feels absurd that Arsenal are on course to win the Premier League in Martin Odegaard's most disappointing season at the club. The Norwegian holds the captain's armband, but has not led by example throughout what could be a historic campaign in North London.
So much so that he's arguably becoming a problem for Mikel Arteta to solve. From lead talisman to an injury-prone captain struggling to make his mark, it's tough to pinpoint where Odegaard fits into this more pragmatic, champions-elect version of the Gunners.
Odegaard-Arteta-Arsenal
And if that doesn't change, then those in North London will be forced into a ruthless decision.
How Arteta's pragmatism ended Odegaard influence
Football is often made complex, but the foundation is that a team should put its most creative players in the best position to use that creativity. See Bruno Fernandes under Ruben Amorim in a deeper role compared to the advanced role under Michael Carrick, for example.
That does come at a sacrifice, however. It adds freedom, but it also leaves the door ajar and Arteta prefers to keep his door slammed shut, with the strongest chain possible. It's why Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League and also why players like Odegaard are struggling more than ever.
Martin Odegaard at Arsenal 23/24 24/25 25/26
Minutes 3,098 2,238 1,078
Goals 8 3 1
Assists 10 8 6
Chances created 102 63 30
Touches in opposition box 188 121 31
The captain's struggles are as much his fault as his manager's. In the space of three years, Arteta has gradually moved Arsenal from a free-flowing side to a team more than willing to maintain their shape out of possession, rather than step on.
Indeed, from that 15-goal haul of 2022/23 that saw him score more Premier League goals than any other midfielder, he is now an injury-prone failure with just a single goal to his name in the league all campaign.
Martin Odegaard goals per season (timeless)
Arteta's tactical tweaks could end in Premier League glory at last, but it could also end Odegaard's Arsenal career. One thing the Norwegian is not is a deep-lying, combative midfielder and his downfall may yet allow an unexpected player to become Arsenal's next Jack Wilshere.
Arsenal's wildcard to replace Odegaard
Rather than shoehorning his captain into a role that will only expose his biggest weakness, Arteta must turn towards a player who is made for such a role. Perhaps Myles Lewis-Skelly could be the answer in that regard.
Nwaneri Lewis-Skelly
The fullback has been frozen out of the side for the majority of the season, despite impressing in his breakout year in the previous campaign, notably stealing the show against Real Madrid a year ago this week.
It's sparked rumours that he could bring an end to his time at the club, amid links to Manchester United, but Arsenal should avoid that at all costs.
Although some in North London may not realise it yet, Lewis-Skelly's ability to step into midfield without sacrificing Arsenal's physicality should be the ultimate answer to the Gunners' Odegaard problem.
PL stats per 90 mins Odegaard 25/26 Lewis-Skelly 24/25
Minutes 1,078 1,370
Duels Won 2.92 6.04
Tackles 1.42 1.45
Dribble Success 45% 57.1%
Chances Created 2.5 0.53
It's worth noting that Lewis-Skelly's influence came from fullback last season, but the numbers suggest that he'd have no trouble stepping into midfield.
The Hale End graduate would end Odegaard's duel-winning struggles, whilst also driving Arsenal forward with his ball-carrying ability, something that the current skipper sorely lacks.
His bravery in possession is a throwback to Wilshere, as is his dribbling success. If Lewis-Skelly can turn that dribble success into chance creation, then he will discover a new and improved role in Arteta's side.
Heralded as a "future captain" by club insider Hand of Arsenal, the 19-year-old simply has to stay patient at the Emirates. His chance will come when the time is right and it could even come in his favoured role.
myles lewis-skelly
Arteta has already seen the impact of rushing players into the exhausting schedule of English football, with Bukayo Saka now struggling. The last thing he needs is a repeat with Lewis-Skelly.
The teenager is still a top talent, who is more than capable of excelling where his current captain is struggling at the heart of Arsenal's midfield.
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