Analysis: Is Odegaard getting back to his best?

Football writer Adrian Clarke identifies the key players, team tactics and where matches could be won and lost in Matchweek 36.

Player analysis: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

By his own high standards, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has underwhelmed this season.

Across the previous two campaigns you could have made a strong case to label him the most influential No 10 in the division, but in 2024/25 the Norwegian’s attacking output has dipped.

While long-term injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have not helped, a return of two goals and seven assists from 27 Premier League appearances is still below expectations.

However, with an assist in each of his last three league matches, and Saka now back in the side, it seems Odegaard's form could be picking up as Arsenal head into Sunday's match at champions Liverpool.

How does this season compare to others? 

In a creative sense, Odegaard has been almost as productive this season - with 2.4 chances created per 90 - as he was in the previous three campaigns, when he averaged 2.54.

Also, Odegaard is actually creating more big chances in 2024/25, with 0.51 per 90 minutes, than he has in any other season during his Gunners career.

Odegaard's attacking stats - last four seasons

Odegaard's assists tally is only three short of his best in a season - 10 in 2023/24 - but his goalscoring has been well below par for a player who operates in a space behind Arsenal's main striker.  

He netted 15 times in 2022/23, so to have scored just twice in 2024/25 - with a penalty and a simple tap-in into an empty net - will be a source of great frustration.

When you analyse his shot map, it is clear that Odegaard is not pushing himself into the six-yard box, or even the vicinity of it, often enough.  

Too many of Odegaard’s attempts have been from distance, lacking power, but as we saw against Paris Saint-Germain in this week’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg, he has a sweet left foot.  

His stinging drive from the edge of the box would have beaten most keepers, but he was denied by a sensational save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.  

More attempts of that ilk, and some tap-ins, would boost Odegaard’s numbers.  

Still a key man for Arteta

Despite certain frustrations, Odegaard remains a pivotal player for manager Mikel Arteta.

The Norwegian still knits the midfield and attack together with silky smooth skills, and is regularly the trigger, on and off the ball, that makes Arsenal tick in key moments.

Odegaard's creative qualities have been demonstrated by providing assists in his last three Premier League appearances.

His surging run against Ipswich Town at Portman Road ended with Leandro Trossard scoring the opener in Arsenal's 4-0 win.

Odegaard's pinpoint free-kick was met brilliantly by Jakub Kiwior against Crystal Palace – and his brilliantly weighted reverse pass to assist Declan Rice against AFC Bournemouth was a joy to watch.

Odegaard's assist v Bournemouth

Odegaard's assist v Crystal Palace

In recent weeks Odegaard’s form has definitely picked up. When Arsenal's midfield contains Rice and Thomas Partey, the balance clearly suits him better, and whenever he's in the same starting XI as Saka, we can expect high-quality combination play between the pair. Too often this season, Odegaard and Saka have not been fit and available at the same time.

But while Odegaard’s standards may not have lived up to the previous two seasons, he is still Arsenal’s most impactful player in several departments.  

In open play for example, he is carving out more opportunities than any other Arsenal player who is currently available for selection.

Odegaard's creativity stats 2024/25

*Rank among available Arsenal players

Out of possession Odegaard's pressing game is also invaluable to Arteta.

Arsenal's captain applies more pressures than his team-mates, helping to force plenty of turnovers.

Brilliant through-balls

Odegaard has completed 15 successful through-balls this season, three more than the next closest Premier League player, Bruno Guimaraes.  

This is despite missing a number of matches earlier on in the campaign through injury.  

Odegaard always plays with his head up and is usually looking to slip a runner into the penalty area, as shown in the graphic above.

Saka is regularly his intended target with passes slipped between defenders on the right side of the penalty area.  

Arsenal’s No 8, despite being less effective at times this season, is the best Premier League player for producing through-balls.  

Most through-balls per 90 mins 2024/25*

*Minimum 10 starts

Does that mean Odegaard's numbers will explode if Arsenal invest in a new striker this summer?  

There is every chance, because he has recorded this terrific output without having a fast, recognised centre-forward for much of the campaign.  

Mikel Merino does not make runs that suit Odegaard’s game, and even Havertz is somebody that benefits from a different type of service.  

If Arsenal invest in a striker who wants to make penetrative runs in beyond the backline, Odegaard’s ammunition will be absolutely ideal for them.  

Final flourish

Arsenal still need four more points to guarantee their top-five place, and just days after their exit from the Champions League, they would love to secure three of those with a morale-lifting win at Anfield.  

Odegaard will always be a key figure, and his link-up play with Saka down the right will be an area that Liverpool head coach Arne Slot identifies as a threat.  

Liverpool’s left-sided central midfielder will be asked to nullify Odegaard, who intelligently floats around in an avenue that’s parallel to the right side of the box.  

He may not have been at his very best, but someone as talented as the Norwegian will always have potential to light up a match between the top two teams in the Premier League.

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