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#3. Odegaard is a bonafide attacking threat
Martin Odegaard brings some much-needed attacking prowess to the Emirates.
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Arsenal have, of late, been guilty of playing a boring brand of football. Their style of play is often limited to excessive side-passing, followed by hopeful crosses from the wings. While this has worked in the past, Arsenal are clearly in need of a Mesut Ozil-type figure in midfield.
With the recent departure of Joe Willock, Arsenal seem to have only one creative attacker in Emile Smith Rowe. While there is some creativity on the wings from the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney, the Gunners' midfield seriously lacks a creative presence.
Odegaard's stats speak for themselves. He was in the top two for xT (expected threat) during his loan spell with the Gunners. The Norwegian also averaged 2.1 key passes per 90 in the Premier League.
Although he doesn't have too many goals or assists to his name, Odegaard is always involved in the build-up play and certainly has an eye for a decisive pass.
#2. Odegaard was always Plan A
Since the start of the transfer window, Arsenal have been linked with a host of attacking midfielders.
While it was well-known that Arsenal were in the market for a creative player, Mikel Arteta's priority was always Martin Odegaard. Odegaard was up to the task during his spell with the Gunners, convincing Arteta that he was exactly what the Gunners needed.
Mikel Arteta has been at the receiving end of a lot of criticism this season. Odegaard's move will provide a sense of assurance to Arsenal fans worldwide, considering they have managed to get a long-awaited deal done.
#1. Odegaard boasts an international pedigree
Martin Odegaard made his debut for the Norwegian national team in 2015. In doing so, Odegaard became the youngest player in Norwegian history to feature for the national football team. He was just 15 years and 253 days old at the time. Odegaard has since made 30 appearances for the national side.
In March of 2021, Odegaard was named captain of the international side. The Norwegian football team has its fair share of big names, including the likes of Alexander Sorloth, Jens Peter Hauge and world-class attacker Erling Haaland.
Being appointed captain of the national side at the age of 22 is no small accomplished and it only goes to show the level of conviction Odegaard shows when he plays. His leadership and creativity will be an asset for the Gunners in midfield.
While it remains to be seen how big a success Odegaard will be, there is no doubt Arsenal have made a fantastic signing for a good price.
