In the white-hot heat of a Premier League title race, every advantage matters. For Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, one of their most potent weapons has just been publicly endorsed by the manager himself: a fully unlocked and “dangerous” Martin Odegaard. This declaration is more than just praise; it’s a psychological bullet fired across the bows of Manchester City and Liverpool, signalling the full activation of Arsenal’s creative engine.
While the headlines often focus on the goal-scoring of Arsenal’s strikers, Arteta knows the tactical keystone is his captain. Odegaard’s league-leading numbers in chances created and progressive passes are a direct product of the specific freedom Arteta has granted him—a freedom designed to break down the low-block defences and high-pressing machines that define the modern Premier League.
A Problem for Every Type of Opponent
What makes Odegaard’s unleashed role so critical to the title race is its versatility against different tactical setups:
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Vs. Low Blocks: Against teams that sit deep, Odegaard’s freedom to drift into half-spaces is vital. He finds pockets of room where none seem to exist, receiving the ball on the turn and delivering defence-splitting passes before the opposition can react. His ability to shoot from distance adds another layer of threat, forcing defenders to step out and creating space for others.
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Vs. High-Press Teams: In a frantic, end-to-end game against rivals like Liverpool or City, Odegaard’s technical security under pressure is paramount. His freedom allows him to drop deep, essentially becoming an additional midfielder to help play through the press, turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
By stating that Odegaard has this freedom, Arteta is sending a clear message to his rivals: “We have a player you cannot man-mark, a creative force you cannot pin down. Plan for him if you can.” In a season where fine margins decide championships, having a player of Odegaard’s intelligence and technical quality, operating without tactical shackles, could be the decisive factor. The captain isn’t just playing; he’s playing with the license to be brilliant, and for Arsenal’s rivals, that is the most dangerous prospect of all.
