Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has taken supporters to task for criticising Martin Odegaard’s performances.
The Norwegian has experienced a dip in form this season but, speaking to Paddy Power, Sagna suggested that there are mitigating factors for why Odegaard hasn’t been at his absolute best:
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“I’m surprised to see the criticism towards Martin Ødegaard to be honest. He’s not been as decisive or directly involved in as many goals as he was last season but he’s a good player.”
“For some reason, it’s been difficult for him to get as many assists this season, but Arsenal have been playing without a number nine which impacts how decisive he can be because it restricts him from playing as well. The players up front are not playing how a pure number nine would be.”
“If he was behind a natural number nine, his assist numbers would be higher because his delivery will end up being converted into goals. Odegaard has always been focused and always been professional and instead of criticising him, Arsenal fans should back him. It’s difficult to catch Liverpool but they’ve lost two games in a row, and you never know because football is all about confidence. You never know how they’re going to react. If fans proclaim themselves as fans, they should support the team no matter what.”
Odegaard’s campaign in numbers
The playmaker has scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists in 32 appearances this season, which means he is averaging a goal involvement every 2.46 games.
Odegaard has undoubtedly been less productive than in previous years. Last campaign, he averaged a goal contribution every 2.18 matches, but it is not the dramatic drop-off that some critics have asserted.
Saka’s return should help Odegaard and Arsenal
The link-up play between the Gunners captain and Bukayo Saka has been the hallmark of the London club’s title challenges over the past few seasons.
However, Saka has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since December and Odegaard has clearly missed playing with the England international.
With Saka set to return to fitness shortly after the international break, it would not be a surprise if Odegaard’s productivity in the final third improves.
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