Yaya Toure believes Martin Odegaard plays a crucial role for Arsenal in every match, insisting the Gunners feel his absence whenever he is not involved. Odegaard has led Arsenal effectively since becoming their captain, yet injuries have limited his participation in several fixtures this season.
The Gunners remain pleased to have him in their squad, but Mikel Arteta’s side has often had to compete without him. His injury, combined with the fine form of Eberechi Eze, has resulted in him missing some significant matches since the start of the campaign. Eze’s impressive performances have prompted some supporters to argue that he should remain in the team as one of their main players because he is performing at a consistently high level.
Odegaard’s Importance to the Team
Despite the growing debate, Toure considers the Norway international to be a vital link within the Arsenal side. He recognises the impact Odegaard makes when he features, particularly through his movement and ability to operate between the lines. The former Real Madrid player provides composure, creativity, and structure, qualities that Toure believes are difficult to replace. In his view, Arsenal clearly miss his influence when he is unavailable, especially in high-profile encounters where control and intelligence in possession are essential.
Toure’s View on Arsenal’s Approach
He said via the Metro:
‘You have to understand as well that Martin Odegaard, the captain, is a brilliant player and for me he’s a huge miss. He plays between the lines, he moves very well, I love this type of player.
‘You can be worried about making mistakes at this stage of the season because it can cost the team but I want to see the players be more open.’
Toure highlights not only Odegaard’s technical strengths but also the psychological aspect of Arsenal’s performances. He suggested that while players may fear making costly errors at this stage of the season, they must remain open and expressive, particularly in the absence of a leader who naturally brings fluency and confidence to the side.
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So many arsenal fans were saying his time was done at arsenal after eze scored past spurs last week, yet fail to look at the eze thrives when a team doesnt defend tight against him. He hasnt worked out how to do that consistently for us.
Then we have gyokeres who can only play against team who give him space.
Against chelsea he was pants , eze wasnt too bad but the reason we struggle to score is when them two play its effectively playing with two players less, when one starts , its playing with one player less.
Odegaard has struggled since last season with injuries but how he knits the play etc we miss that.
I don’t. 🤷♂️🤦♂️
We tend to lose control of games towards the end, and that is where Odegaard is useful-he would have helped us keep the ball better vs Chelsea.
Odegaard is one of the best pressers from the front. The man hurries opponents like a hound for 90 minutes. Without him, opponents find it easier to go at our defence.
Yes, he doesn’t get many G+A assists, but we do really miss the control and pressing from him. We would be less shaky with him in the team.
Agreed bro, another underrated utility player we miss is Merino, he is effective against lowblock, he is good in the box and would grind us a win games that are closed like the recent draws with Notingham and Brentford, he is also physical & would help see off wins especially now that Both Zubi and Rice are tiring
I do agree 👍 with Yaya Toure, Odegaard is a pivotal player in the Arsenal games and so influencial that at the moment they are missing him. He plays a crucial role when it comes to the pitch so his absence has affected Arteta and his boys
That’s not true they have played the worst football with odegard on the pitch and a very poor second half display. In the last 10 matches that odegard played arsenal has lost 10 point conceded 8 to 10 goals the stats do not lie.