A similar profile to Ødegaard is not what we need for depth.
As we all know, Martin Ødegaard has just made a return to the starting lineup recently after over two months of being out of action due to an ankle injury suffered while representing Norway.
His absence really did our heads in, it sparked countless articles concerning everything happening to him at that time and how it affected us on the pitch, which is why we will be very happy to have him back at the moment.
That happiness will also come with a stark realization of what our attack will be like if he gets injured again. The club was and still is being criticized for not signing a similar profile to cover for his absence, which is why a lot of calls have been made for Arsenal to sign such a player in the coming transfer windows. However that shouldn’t be the case whatsoever, because of these two reasons particularly.
Firstly, we already have a similar profile within the walls of the club and that is none other than Ethan Nwaneri. The Hale Ender has shown glimpses this season of what he can do. He has been a livewire anytime he gets the chance to play in the League, using his raw talent and fearlessness to drop impressive cameos in those appearances off the bench while also doing the same and more in the starts he’s had in the EFL cup this season. This makes him a perfect understudy to our skipper for the medium to long term which is why signing a similar profile will be a waste of money.
Secondly if we’re to sign a back up for Ødegaard, it should be a slightly different profile in my opinion. We should be signing a right footed number 10 instead of a left footer because it will give us one thing, Options!
This was a reason why many gooners would have been sad to see the club sell Smith-Rowe in the summer, he would’ve been a very good option for us to call upon during Ødegaard’s spell on the sidelines. Just imagine him in the right half space connecting with Saka and White. It’s not only Smith-Rowe too, any proper right footed number 10 will also bring a bit of unpredictability to our attack.
Any style when constantly utilized without variation will get found out in the Premier League so why shouldn’t we experiment? A right footed 10 with the power to free roam behind a proper number 9 won’t be a bad way of adding variation to our attack when Ødegaard is absent!
A proper right footed number 10 who’s available will be hard to find in the market currently, but that exact profile should be our top priority when looking for a back up to cover for Martin Ødegaard.
What are your opinions on this goonners?!
BENJAMIN KENNETH.
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We’ve got a right-footed no 10 in Trossard, but Arteta’s current tactics require someone with Odegaard’s skillset on the right wing
@Gai, Trossard imo seem more like a left wing attacking midfielder than No10. The proper 10 we used to have is Metsul Ozil & ESR.
With what has happened, recently, the only right profile is that of a player who will sit on the bench.
Sounds to me like the player you have in mind B. K., is Emile Smith Rowe.
OT: I wish JA would use a different photo of Nwaneri. In the one above, from his “walking action” he appears to be embarking on a long-distance marathon (perhaps he is – trying to get into the Arsenal team as a starting player).
That’s the ‘cockney geezer’ walk!
@Ad Pat
😂👍🏾
Arsenal don’t necessarily needs a like for like creative player as captain Odegaard and I will try to explain here
Our next creative player don’t have to be a great presser of the ball, but should;
1) Possess great control with the ball and can makes Hollywood passes as Jorginho.
2) Demonstrate good field vision
3)The ability to make things happen in tight spaces as Cazola , without losing the ball.
4) And surely soccer IQ
The ideal man would be Eze, capable of playing off the left as well or as an attacking 8. Eze would add creativity and goals and could co exist in the team with Odegaard either off the left or as an 8. My problem with our current set up is neither Rice or Merino offer elite play making from left 8. With Havertz proving himself at cf i thought the summer would be us chasing a prize winning attacking midfielder like Wirtz, Musiala or Eze
Agree on Eze – it doesn’t matter which foot they favour, we need someone who can play a different position so they can play with odegaard or instead of odegaard – no point in signing someone when they might have to stay on the bench for the rest of the year.
Could have been reasonable acquisition, but the club looks bent on keeping competition away from both Saka and Ødegaard.
Those are fair points. The injury to MO came a little early for Nwaneri based on MA’s careful approach to his utilization. Kudus could be the guy who comes in, he is an absolute live wire player, but probably the price is now too high.
Unfortunately, ESR is and was NOT a replacement for Odegaard.
The young lad is obviously NOT ready for that role, otherwise I am sure Arteta would have played him already.
Merino is currently not up to the pace of the EPL. When given time he looks good, but the pace of the games seems to be increasing, and in my view he is quite there yet.
As for Trossard. I my view He should stay!!
Again, we are in 3 cup competitions (FA, League and Champions League) and the EPL.
In the FA and League cups we need to field competitive teams, which Jorginho, Sterling, Kiwior, the KID and Trossard can all play in. to give other players a rest.
The Summer window is where we can re-evaluate these players.
PS, I am a trifle worried Arteta does NOT have a PLAN B.