Mikel Arteta values versatility, and with such players, he often looks to catch opponents off guard by playing them out of position to capitalise on the element of surprise.
He has done this with a number of his Arsenal stars, including Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard in striking roles. Yet there are tactical switches he continues to overlook, ones that could truly elevate this Arsenal side.
Odegaard at LCM
Gooners have long called for Arteta to trial Martin Odegaard at left central midfield, where the Norwegian’s verticality becomes a real weapon.
It is a tactical ploy Arteta ought to consider, but so far, he has not.
In Norway’s emphatic 11-1 win over Moldova, where Odegaard bagged two assists and a goal, the Arsenal skipper repeatedly drifted into the left half space and caused havoc from there.
Operating in that zone, he looked far more direct and incisive. He also appeared more creative and dangerous, unlike the RCM version of Odegaard, who often overthinks and misplaces passes.
It should not be complicated. Arteta could switch Odegaard to the left and deploy Declan Rice on the right, where the England international has also impressed on international duty.
With summer signing Eberechi Eze tipped to take over the LCM role, there is every chance he will raise the bar. But with squad rotation in play, Arteta should still explore the Odegaard at LCM option.
It might unleash the playmaker monster lurking in his skipper.
Odegaard vs Moldova: by the numbers
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90 minutes played
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1 goal
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2 assists
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10 rating completed
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7 total shots
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43% successful dribbles
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135 touches
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83% pass accuracy
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100% cross accuracy
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16 duels won
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60% ground duels won
One can only hope he carries that momentum back to Arsenal and delivers a masterclass against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates.
Your thoughts welcome in the comments.
Daniel O
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Odegaard vs Moldova? That’s not much of a mismatch and should tell us so much 🤦♂️ At least rotation was mentioned with one of the best LCMs in the league finally on board now.
I thought Odegaard played on the right with Sorloth against some Moldovan Iniestas and Xavis?
Odegaard might be able to reach the byline more often if he plays on the left, but he wouldn’t be able to cut inside easily and he’d be too small to convert Saka’s long-crosses into goals
Merino could be our best option for the left-sided AM position, because of his aerial ability, positioning and ball control
@Gai like I have said previously, Arteta has plentoria of equality players to chose from. It’s up to him to him to discover their best position and maximize their skill set.
Arsenal has one of the best midfielders in Epl at the moment, their isn’t no excuse for the coach not to deliver a major trophy this season.
My worry is Arteta’s rigidity and loyalty to some under performing players which could prove costly. Like the strict Mourinho in Chelsea days no player should be too big to seat on the bench for the team to win matches.
Agreed. I’m sure Arteta will try to play Eze or Nwaneri ahead of Odegaard soon
If Gyokeres becomes barren and can’t assist his teammates, we’ve still got Havertz, Merino and Jesus for the CF position
@Gai, I read from Fabrizio.R that Arsenal are planing to ship out Jesus by January. And rightly so. He isn’t in the equation. It’s Gyokeres Havertz & Merino.
The bench ?
I think the Jesus Gabriel as striker gig is over for the guy. Gyokeres, Havertz, even Merino is a better option at this point.
14 million a year for a 3rd or 4th choice striker, or a 3rd or 4th choice winger is financial absurdity. Honestly I would rather see Nwaneri or Dowman given chances over Jesus on the wings.
Arsenal need to prepare how they will offload Gabriel Jesus in January or summer next year. I don’t see his contribution to the achievements of the Arsenal.
I love all Ur comments my arsenal family.i suggest Eze merino noni gyokeres Rice zubi timber Mosquera Gaby Piero and Raya lineup for now should be our choice lineup.what do you guys think?
I think Odegaard must be included in the line up.
I don’t agree. Odegaard has not being as good the last year as he was previous. Drop him for few games and he might start playing then. Eze has his spot now
It is a good idea and maybe it will make Odegaard more lethal and effective.
Arteta has got the guns. Its time for him to fire!