He's outperforming Odegaard: Arsenal must rue offloading "phenomenal" star

Arsenal have made huge strides under the guidance of Mikel Arteta in recent years, constantly battling for the Premier League title in each of the last three seasons.

However, on the two previous occasions, it’s been the imperious form of Manchester City that has denied them from ending their two-decade wait for a triumph.

Whilst Pep Guardiola’s side have failed to match the high expectations they’ve set for themselves, Liverpool have taken over as the side to beat at the top, with the Gunners potentially having to settle for second for a third season in a row.

The Spaniard has built a superb side, built of defensive solidity with an attack, which when fully fit, can provide the goods, as demonstrated by their goal tally this season.

One player has been a crucial component of the club over the past few years, now looking to be a bargain after his move to the Emirates a couple of years ago.

Martin Odegaard’s stats for Arsenal

After his successful loan spell in North London during the 2020/21 campaign, Arsenal paid £30m for the services of midfielder Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.

The Norwegian has cemented his place at the heart of the side, even taking the armband on occasions, highlighting his importance to Arteta over the past few seasons.

Since his permanent move, he’s registered over 150 appearances, often holding the key in terms of creativity within the final third, allowing the likes of Bukayo Saka to thrive alongside him.

However, it’s been a stop-start season for the 26-year-old this time around, with an ankle issue halting his progress for numerous months, undoubtedly contributing to the gap between Arne Slot’s men and the Gunners.

There’s no denying that Arteta’s side are much more of a threat with Odegaard present, but that doesn’t take away the fact that one former player has outperformed the star man in numerous key areas this season.

The former Arsenal player who’s outperformed Odegaard in 24/25

Arsenal’s academy has produced countless talents over the years, with Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly just three examples currently featuring in the first team in North London.

The trio will be hoping to cement themselves in the club’s history, with all the aforementioned trio now cementing themselves as key members of Arteta’s side.

However, they could’ve been joined in the current side by Alex Iwobi had the club not sold him to Everton back in the summer of 2019, ending his long-standing affiliation with his boyhood club.

Whilst they received up to £34m for his services, he’s since moved to Fulham, starring under Marco Silva and demonstrating what the Gunners have missed out on after approving his departure.

The Nigerian has been crucial for the Cottagers in recent years, taking his game to the next level during the current campaign, outperforming Odegaard in various key areas for an attacking-minded player.

Iwobi, who’s previously been dubbed “phenomenal” by boxer Tony Bellew, has registered more goal contributions than the Norwegian, whilst also registering more shots on target – showcasing his clinical edge.

He’s also completed more dribbles whilst averaging more progressive carries per 90, highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Given the current injury crisis within the final third at the Emirates, some supporters must wish that they were able to call upon someone like Iwobi to provide the goods in the absence of some key players.

His stats from the ongoing season are evidence of how well he’s progressed in recent years, but unfortunately for them, their loss is now Fulham’s gain, with their London rivals now possessing a player who has arguably been better than Odegaard this campaign.

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