Martin Ødegaard has become one of the most influential players in Arsenal’s modern era, captaining the side with a mix of calm authority and relentless work ethic. Since his permanent arrival from Real Madrid in 2021, he has grown into one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted midfielders, combining vision, creativity, and pressing intensity. The 2024–25 season has further cemented his status as a leader and playmaker, although questions remain over whether his current role maximises his impact in the new-look **Arsenal**attack.
Ødegaard’s 2024–25 campaign was one of quiet but significant influence. While his goal tally dipped slightly from previous seasons, his creative output remained among the best in the league. He ranked near the top for key passes and chances created, consistently threading balls through defensive lines and unlocking low-block setups. His combination play with Bukayo Saka on the right flank was once again a key attacking avenue, with his quick exchanges and disguised passes enabling Arsenal to progress into dangerous areas.
Off the ball, Ødegaard continued to lead Arsenal’s high press. His work rate in hunting down possession, cutting passing lanes, and triggering the press often went unnoticed in highlight reels but was essential to Arsenal’s control in games. However, there were spells in the season where he struggled to fully impose himself against aggressive midfields, particularly when opponents targeted Arsenal’s double pivot and forced him deeper than usual.
Tactical Fit
Under Mikel Arteta’s evolving system, Ødegaard operates as the advanced right-sided central midfielder, drifting into half-spaces to link midfield and attack. His role is designed to combine with the winger ahead of him, the fullback overlapping outside, and the striker dropping in. This positioning allows him to dictate the rhythm in the final third, choosing when to slow play to draw opponents out and when to accelerate with quick, vertical passes.
(Credit: David Price/ Getty Images).
The signing of Viktor Gyökeres has slightly altered his role. With a true focal point striker now leading the line, Ødegaard has more opportunities to play early through balls into the box rather than always working the ball wide first. This shift has led to a few more direct assists but also means his central presence must be more incisive in congested areas. There are still moments where his reluctance to take on a shot early can frustrate, as Arsenal now have more players who thrive on fast attacking transitions.
Defensively, Ødegaard remains a key pressing trigger. His intelligence in reading passing lanes makes him a vital part of Arsenal’s counter-press, often forcing rushed clearances that allow the team to recycle possession high up the pitch. That said, in high-intensity matches, there is an argument that Arsenal could benefit from rotating him earlier to keep his energy levels at their peak throughout the season.
Future Importance
At 26, Ødegaard is entering what should be the prime of his career. His technical consistency and leadership make him a safe bet for high-level performances over several years, and he remains one of the most reliable creative hubs in the Premier League. However, with Arsenal’s attack becoming more dynamic and direct following Gyökeres’ arrival, the team may need him to evolve again — either by increasing his goal output or by becoming even more aggressive in playing early, high-value passes.
If Arsenal aspire to consistently challenge for the Champions League and Premier League titles, Ødegaard’s ability to deliver in the biggest matches will be critical. In recent seasons, there have been questions over whether he can dominate against elite European midfields in the way the very best attacking midfielders do. Closing that gap could elevate him from being one of the best in the league to one of the best in the world.
(Credit: David Price/ Getty Images).
Given his intelligence, work rate, and technical skill set, it is hard to imagine him not playing a central role in Arsenal’s medium-term plans. But if an opportunity ever arose to bring in a midfielder with a more explosive physical profile while commanding a huge transfer fee for Ødegaard, Arsenal might at least consider it. For now, though, he is the heartbeat of Arteta’s system and a key voice in the dressing room.
Importance to Future Goals Rating: 7.5/10
Ødegaard remains vital to Arsenal’s style and chance creation, but his importance is slightly reduced compared to the likes of Saka or Gyökeres due to the system’s growing number of attacking outlets. His leadership and consistency still make him a foundational piece, but his role may gradually shift from being the undisputed creative hub to being part of a more balanced creative network.