3 standout Arsenal players from the 2021/2022 season

2. Martin Odegaard

There is something about technically gifted attacking midfielders that excites fans. Perhaps it is because they are a dying breed. Few midfielders exist as pure attacking number 10s. Yet the brilliance of Martin Odegaard extends beyond such simple thinking. How Real Madrid let him go is a question that fans may never find the answer to.

Nearly every quality that supporters and managers alike look for in a player is on display when Odegaard takes the field. His first touch, weight of pass and close control are exceptional. He has the legs of a box-to-box midfielder. He will cover every blade of grass on the pitch before the whistle is blown for full time. Not to mention that he’s an ever-evolving leader, too.

One of the few things he needs to improve on is consistency. When Odegaard plays well, the entire team clicks into gear. Arsenal are incredibly tough to stop when the Norweigian is purring. On an off day, however, he struggles to get touches on the ball and is anonymous. This was seen against Crystal Palace, Newcastle, etc. Ensuring complete consistency is something that can never be achieved, even for the best of players. Yet maintaining a higher average level so as to not totter between world-class and League One is the goal for next season.

The Norwegian has slowly been adding goals to his game as well. Although, this is another area he needs to work on. A player of his talent adding a clinical edge would elevate his performances to another level.

Like all the players on this list, his age is astonishing. Odegaard is statistically one of the most creative players in the league at 23 years old. Adding a lethal striker this summer will guarantee he gets more than four league assists.

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