Who is Martin Odegaard?

Days after Mesut Ozil departed Arsenal for Fenerbache, a new M.O is on his way to the Emirates, tasked with filling the creative void that an Ozil-less Arsenal have been plagued by for some time. Although Martin Odegaard is only staying in London for 6 months, it's important to assess what his qualities are, and what kind of impact he can have on Arsenal's season.

Nearly seven years ago, Martin Odegaard became the youngest player to debut in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, aged just 15. Rather than being a flash in the pan, Odegaard became the focal point of his team, Stromsgodset. In 23 league games he scored 5 and assisted 6 more. Unsurprisingly his stock rose, and that summer Real Madrid signed the teenager for €3 million.

The burden of playing for one of the most glamorous clubs in the world weighed heavily on Odegaard's shoulders. That coupled with the fact that, Real Madrid's manager at the time, Carlo Ancelotti, didn't want him, as he said in his recent autobiography: "He was not a player who I asked for. That signing was to do with PR."

After struggling to break into Real Madrid's first-team for two and a half years, Odegaard was loaned to Heerenveen. His time in northern Holland was a relative success. But it was his next loan spell, this time at Vitesse, where Odegaard truly excelled.

In 31 Eredivisie games, Odegaard managed 19 goal involvements. His form was recognised with his place in the 2018/19 Eredivisie 'Team of the Season'.

Odegaard's manager at Vitesse, Leonid Slutsky praised the midfielder's work-ethic in an interview last year.

"He is already a top level footballer. He is capable of fighting for a place in any team in the world...The system will not be a problem for him. He can play as No.10 or on the wing."

It was deemed that Odegaard still needed to prove himself at a top European league, before he could make the step-up to the Real Madrid first-team. His third loan was much closer to his parent club, where they could keep an even closer eye on his growing talent.

In the summer of 2019, the now 20 year-old moved to Real Sociedad.

It was at La Real where Odegaard's creative spark began to elevate his name all across Europe. He performed so well that Real Madrid cut his two year loan short, so he could be integrated into Zidane's plans for this season.

Once again, Odegaard's form was rewarded with another place in a 'Team of the Season'. In 31 games he provided 6 assists and scored four goals, but it was his overall contribution to Real Sociedad's attack that impressed.

Imanol Alguacil played the Norwegian as either a right sided midfielder in a 4-1-4-1, or as the attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1.

Even when positioned centrally, Odegaard tended to pick up the ball on the right-hand side of the pitch, cutting inside and progressing the ball through short, sharp dribbling actions. Although he is not blessed with pace, his excellent balance and agility help him avoid challenges and bypass a team press. This is highlighted by his 67% dribble success rate, Odegaard made 3.4 dribble attempts per 90, with 2.2 of those dribbles being successful.

Being a central midfielder, it goes without saying that Odegaard's passing is good. He managed 5.02 passes into the final third per 90, as well as 73 passes into the penalty area, the 3rd highest in La Liga. Odegaard also completed 7.22 progressive passes per 90, only four other players had higher totals in La Liga. This signals a midfielder who consistently looks to play through the lines to create chances for his team-mates in the opponent's final third.

One concern is Odegaard's reliance on his left-foot. After all, 91% of his passes come from his favoured foot. His close control and effervescent dribbling style allow him to evade challenges, but against the best opponents his intentions may seem too telegraphed.

That being said, Odegaard has the ability to disguise where he is playing the ball to add an unpredictability to his attacking play. He often opens up his body to make it seem that he will play a long pass before sliding a through ball to a team-mate at a unexpected angle.

A bigger concern is Odegaard's recent injury record. He missed seven games last season through injury. When football resumed post-Covid he didn't complete 90 minutes in any of La Real's last 10 games. Muscle injuries and Covid have limited his playing time this season, although it appears Zidane doesn't believe he is ready to feature regularly for Real Madrid, even when fit. Therefore, the Norwegian's match sharpness will be minimal, upon joining Arsenal.

Although Odegaard's primary role was to be the creative lynchpin for Real Sociedad, his four goals and xG of 3.2 was still underwhelming. Fortunately, the midfielder makes up for his lack of goals, by providing for others. His 4.13 shot creating actions per 90 was the 7th highest in La Liga last season.

Odegaard's quality from dead-balls adds to his array of offensive contributions. Last season he was Real Sociedad's primary corner-kick taker, and with good reason. His Expected Assist per Key Pass from dead ball situations was higher than De Bruyne's, although he did take few set-pieces than the Belgian.

Emile Smith-Rowe's pressing has helped Arsenal regain possession higher up the pitch, since his integration into the team. Undoubtedly, that is something that Odegaard will also have to do to be successful in London. So far this season, Smith Rowe has attempted 16.3 pressures per 90, Odegaard's 18.3 pressures per 90 should maintain Arsenal's midfield press which has given them success in recent weeks.

With all this in mind how will Odegaard fit in at Arsenal?

Arteta wants to evolve Arsenal into a team that plays in a 4-3-3 shape, like that of Manchester City and Liverpool. Due to the omni-present screening abilities of Thomas, it is possible that Arsenal could set up in a 4-3-3, with Odegaard to the right of Partey and Smith-Rowe to the left. Another option is to deploy a 4-2-3-1, and position Odegaard in the number 10 position, although this would limit Smith-Rowe's minutes.

However Arsenal set-up the addition of Odegaard will inject the team with further creative spark, that was so clearly lacking before the arrival of Smith-Rowe.

By comparing some of Odegaard's stats from last season, to Arsenal players' stats from this season, we can clarify the impact that the 22 year-old may have.

Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal's best creator providing 3.54 shot creating actions per 90, but that is still dwarfed by Odegaard's 4.13 shot creating actions per 90 from last season. Additionally, Odegaard's 2.6 passes into the penalty area per 90 is 0.76 higher than any Arsenal player's total this season.

Aside from stats, Odegaard's arrival onto the right hand-side of a midfield three or as a central attacking midfielder should add greater balance to an Arsenal team, who are too dependent on their left-side. It is probable that Odegaard will be combining with Saka on the right. Although they are both left-footed, the intelligence of both players should lead to a fruitful partnership down Arsenal's right-hand side.

A loan deal provides Arsenal with a no-lose situation, providing Odegaard remains injury free. The 22 year-old will help Smith-Rowe with the task of creating chances, and also help develop Arsenal's play on the right-hand side. At the moment he will not be match-fit, but if Arsenal can get a similar tune out of the Norwegian that La Real did, then they may explore a potential deal at the end of the season.