With Benjamin Sesko’s pace, we might finally see Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard delivering performances like his Italy masterclass every week. After returning from injury last season, Martin Ødegaard initially struggled to hit the high standards Arsenal fans know he’s capable of.
Some even questioned his captaincy. Others argued that Arsenal needed a midfield upgrade if they were to challenge again.
But Friday night’s World Cup qualifier against Italy was a turning point, and the perfect reminder of just how special Ødegaard is.
For years, both Ødegaard and Man City’s Erling Haaland have faced criticism for not delivering on the international stage. Many claimed that, with their talent, they should be carrying Norway to major tournaments.
On 6th June however, Ødegaard put those doubts to bed in spectacular fashion. He bossed the game, making Italy’s midfield look second-rate as Norway stormed to a 3-0 win.
A masterclass in midfield dominance
Ødegaard’s game by numbers vs. Italy:
72 touches
47/49 passes completed
8 possessions won
5 duels won
3 chances created
3 fouls won
2 interceptions
1 tackle
1 big chance created
1 assist
It was a complete midfield performance. NRK handed him a 9/10 rating, writing:
“He first got involved after nine minutes, then delivered a few brilliant moments as our captain, truly taking responsibility with the ball. He set up Sørloth for a great opportunity after 31 minutes.”
For Gooners, the message was loud and clear: “Get me a top No. 9, and just watch us cook.”
Could Sesko unlock Ødegaard’s best for Arsenal?
Watching Ødegaard link up with Haaland, Sørloth and Antonio Nusa showed exactly what happens when he has pace and directness ahead of him. Suddenly, the final third opens up, and Ødegaard becomes the conductor we all know he can be.
With Andrea Berta targeting Benjamin Šeško, who would add that injection of speed and vertical threat to our front line, better days surely lie ahead at the Emirates.
And now, at long last, it looks like Ødegaard will finally get the chance to play on the World Cup stage, with Norway projected to qualify for 2026 and land in Pot 3.
He’s earned it. And if Arsenal match his level this summer, we could be in for something special, both domestically and on the biggest stage of all.
Daniel O
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The problem is, he is only world class at Arsenal. He isn’t rated that highly anywhere else. And his performances have not been consistent. We need an alternative and an upgrade.
C’mon Reggie, If he is World class, he is, in or out of Arsenal shirt, so if you think he is a mediocre midfielder who then do you have in mind as an upgrade, so we can now look at their respective stats, for starters.
Who said mediocre? Why do you want to twist it?
This site should be only for people who have we an inkling about football, Reggie.
Also it’s the tactics used in a match. Speedy wingers, overlapping fullbacks, direct attacking play and you will see the best from Odegaard.
Slow buildup, sideways passing for possession, and fans roast players doing just what manager instructed.
It is amazing how many reports described that results a shock but Norway are an excellent team, Ødegaard and Haaland are a deadly combination. Italy have been poor since winning the Euros.
Very true Nabilo. Italy have now sacked Spalletti.
Arsenal are missing nothing.
He can do this against crap opponents, recently
You don’t come across those often in the EPL.
It’s not just the Italy game. There were signs in the just concluded season that Odegaard was getting back to his best. With some rest and pre season, I’m sure he’ll be back to the level that earned him Arsenal player of the season award for two consecutive seasons.
Odegaard needs runners to find in behind. This is why he works so well with Haaland. We were too static sometimes last season. It’s not a coincidence that Odegaard played better when White, who consistently maks runs on the right, returned to the lineup.
👍👏
Martin had a poor campaign this past season because he got hurt and we rushed him back into action and he struggled for the rest of the year. That’s not on him, it’s on Arteta and his personnel decisions. When we sold ESR and let Fabio go out on loan, Arteta said it was to make a path for Ethan. Yet, when Martin got hurt, Arteta played everyone EXCEPT Ethan in the position, and then threw Martin back into the team as soon as it looked like he was mildly fit. He suffered for it, and we did as well. Also, it was soon clear that Arteta had not learned his lesson since he did the same thing with Saka.
It was that injury that slowed Ode.A super number nine will unlock his full potential,just like Ozil.
Odegaard is a good player, he show it at the end of the season and he prove it in norway. His injury make it to look as his not good enough, with sesko i believe everything will change.