Arsenal will depend on their attacking playmaker to display his best until the skipper Odegaard returns.
The absence of Odegaard will be a huge blow
Arsenal is performing excellently and has opened the season with a bang, nevertheless, they are somewhat in trouble right now. Mikel Arteta’s squad is currently only a thin line separating them from Liverpool at the standings.
Nonetheless, the loss of Martin Odegaard because of the injury is a major worry. The skipper limped off before half-time in three straight games. He is out with an MCL issue and won’t return until next month.
The absence of him creates a gap in the creative department of the attack of Arsenal. The skill of Odegaard to control the pace of the game and connect the midfield with the attack is a skill that only a handful of players can perform. His quality and leadership still make him irreplaceable in a lot of aspects even after a not very good campaign last year. However, Arteta has made a strong enough squad that can take this blow, if he plays his cards right.
Arsenal playmaker to take Odegaard’s role ?
The situation is such that Arsenal are not required to take urgent measures. Arteta has another choice in Eberechi Eze. The 21-year-old has shown lots of involvement and energy and hence he can easily adapt to the team. Eze’s technique to pull out chances and to get around defenders could be the game-changing factor for Arsenal.
He can be positioned in the midfield role. That will enable the Gunners to maintain the attacking pace. At the same time, it will give Odegaard an easier transition to full fitness. It might not be the regular option, but it is the brave one and Arteta has always been a person to make such decisions.
Author’s Opinion:
Odegaard’s injury will likely be a tough one for the team but not a big worry at all. Arteta must support Eze with his confidence and let him express his imagination.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
