Kevin Campbell has claimed that Martin Odegaard is yet to win over the Arsenal fans, despite earning a key role in the first-team.
The Norway international joined the club 13 months ago on an initial loan deal, before agreeing to join on a permanent deal in the summer, and has earned his way into becoming a regular starter in recent months, helped by the manager returning to use him just behind the striker, and he has been continuing to grow into that role.
Campbell insists that while Odegaard is a key member of our squad, the fans are yet to back him fully which surprises him.
“I don’t think he is our most important player,” Campbell told the Highbury Squad. “I think we recognised his quality from before.
“A lot of people are still on the fence with Odegaard. I am surprised at it. But it’s Arsenal, isn’t it?! Some fans want him to score 15 goals and create 20 chances before they are convinced. That’s the way it goes.
“I think he is a key part of our squad and team. But, truly, if he wasn’t picked against Wolves, then that would mean Smith Rowe playing in the number ten role.
“I think this kid is mustard. We won’t see the best of Odegaard until we get that striker.”
Agree with martin
we just can’t expect and put pressure on ode to score 15 goals as a attacking midfielder, 10 would be a rare achievement. but i do expect his goals number goes up next season.
he might able to give two digit assist like the prime mesut ozil assuming we have a good finisher which we don’t have right now.
Bring a new good CF and we will see ode shine next season. no wonder he is arteta strong candidate for captain. (not for me tho)
*Agree with kevin campbell
sorry for typo
I love this guy! What’s interesting is his work-rate off the ball, and recoveries. Attributes not usually associated with a playmaker.
He performs well, and leads by example. Absolutely fantastic signing at the price we paid.
He needs to be a little more selfish when he has a chance to shoot, but I am nitpicking.
Yea that’s it, he needs to shoot more, he’s currently the best in the team for long range shots,
OT: just watched Conte post-match interview after the sp*d’s loss to Burnley,I swear he was asking to be sacked and put out of his misery!😂
Only Spurs can break a world class manager! Loving it!
👍
from what I’ve witnessed thus far Ode has had a relatively easy go of it since his arrival at the club considering that his contributions haven’t always matched expectations
for me personally he’s just a tad too obvious with his service and even more so when shooting on goal…it’s kind of like the latter incarnation of Ozil when he wasn’t nearly as decisive in his providing of service or when looking to score…not too dissimilar from when a QB starts aiming not throwing the ball, which usually makes them easier to defend
furthermore, he’s not only a bag of toys defensively-speaking, he likewise enables our manager to lean into his seemingly preferred negative brand of football instead of having the much more direct ESR on the pitch, which is something we’re desperately missing
that said, I have seen glimpses of what’s on offer with this player, when at his best, but I’m just not convinced that he can produce these moments on a regular basis or against tougher opponents…not to mention, that much like with the whole Xhaka quandary, I’m worried that we won’t properly address our midfield so long as Ode is considered an “everyday” starter, which could likewise make it difficult for ESR to make his mark here, unless tactics drastically change or long-term injuries occur
I think Ode has played his part in this new evolving team and like many others in it will be better still next season
To be honest I am more concerned about Xhaka and Partey in the middle of the park, more experienced rather than developing
However I thought they were good as good as a pair as I have seen them against Brentford and if they can keep that going tonight and for the rest of the season I will be more than happy