Arsenal: 5 positives and negatives of Martin Odegaard transfer

3. Martin Odegaard is An Excellent Footballer Yet to Peak

Amid all the talk of other players coming in which has contributed to Odegaard being seen in a dimmer light than previously – the same happened with Houssem Aouar after the hype died down – it’s easy to overlook how talented he is.

He wasn’t on top form all throughout his spell last season as there were games he was guilty of being lost in, but this was a poor Arsenal side. That mustn’t be forgotten, and he still created the most chances per 90.

There were also the injuries. He arrived with an issue that he hadn’t fully recovered from, and having barely played at all up until his signing was also not at match fitness. Then there was an ankle injury sustained in March that ruled him out for four matches.

And despite that, as well as the new league, style of play and teammates, he still managed to produce some superb displays, only ending up on the losing side in two matches he started: against Man City and Villarreal. He’s also only 22 years old.

Odegaard embodies many of the traits desired in what would be classically categorised as an ‘Arsenal player’. Silky and suave with array of unique resources, his weight of pass is as delectable as it is unapologetically natural. He brought others into the game and forged strong partnerships with Smith Rowe and notably Calum Chambers, who played his best football with the Norwegian in the side.

What he’s shown in his time at Arsenal is tactical awareness and operative intelligence. This is a player who understands the rhythm of football. Odegaard, like Smith Rowe, was one of the few to fully appreciate the economy of touches: when to release and when the hold. Furthermore, there aren’t many players in the squad who can find the pass needed against low blocks to unlock defences. Odegaard has that in his locker.

And he’s still only 22 years old. Sign him this month and Arsenal are getting immediate impact from someone who is fully fit, who can improve and if he is to be moved on in the future, will see a return on the investment financially. We haven’t even mentioned his leadership qualities; it’s clear he enjoys being at the club.

There is more to come, but what about the potential negatives?