Looks almost certain the Norweigen young superstar is on his way to Arsenal on an initial 6 month loan. The most recent updates suggest we will push to make that 18 months, and hope to have at least an option to buy.
That leads to the question of where he fits into our XI. Firstly, his most natural role is the #10. Emile Smith Rowe has made a great impression in that role over the last few weeks. Given the schedule, and hoping we progress in the Europa, there is ample opportunity for both to get a fair number of games in this role.
Can Odegaard and ESR play together? Yes, is the simple answer. ESR has played a lot in the wider attacking roles and Odegaard also has ability to play outside. In this case they could quite easily interchange, as seen with Saka and ESR already. This option would allow to rotate Saka out when necessary or fill the left side if Auba and Martinelli are otherwise engaged. It also means Pepe and Willian can be minimalised.
Could either partner Partey, allowing Xhaka, Elneny and Ceballos to be left out? Possibly, both have played in a deeper role but not for any real sustained time or at the top level. Thus it would a risk.
Or could we go to 4-3-3, with Partey holding and ESR and Odegaard either side? Again, that seems to be a gamble and is unlikely.
In my opinion the most likely scenario is both Odegaard and ESR will be rotated in the attacking 3 roles behind a striker. Should be more than enough opoportunites for both, and hopefully we can develop them both to be long term Arsenal starters.
Of course, Odegaard first has to sign, and then has to prove himself.
Martin Ødegaard's role
posted on 25/1/21
But we're not playing that system anymore, so who would you have him replace. Tierney. Saka. Aubameyang? No chance.
And centrally he can't even get ahead of Elneny in the pecking order.
posted on 25/1/21
I can only remember the dead rubber testimonial match when Wenger played AMN in midfield. There are probably other examples but none that I can think of
posted on 25/1/21
Away to United I meant
The game where Mavropanos started and we all thought we had the next big thing at CB
posted on 25/1/21
Because it is a hybrid. The front 4 are not defending anymore. Do you see Saka/ESR coming back into midfield? So we are playing a two in midfield. Whether thats Xhaka/Partey or whoever. In a counter that midfield would be overrun. Which is why you need the defence to rotate. One of the full backs has to come into midfield to stop the counter and the other tucks into a CB position running back (Tierney).
posted on 25/1/21
comment by Mi Pelea (U18355)
posted 2 minutes ago
Away to United I meant
The game where Mavropanos started and we all thought we had the next big thing at CB
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He played against Southampton in the FA Cup as well. And it was the point I was making to Lexington that he played more often than you think for a youngster. Didn't start much but also came on as sub.
posted on 25/1/21
This is why Bellerin has looked so bad. Just look at Bellerin's positioning vs Spurs. Instead of going into RCM to block Son he ran back into the backline defending no one. AMN is far better defensively than Bellerin.
posted on 25/1/21
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Mi Pelea (U18355)
posted 2 minutes ago
Away to United I meant
The game where Mavropanos started and we all thought we had the next big thing at CB
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He played against Southampton in the FA Cup as well. And it was the point I was making to Lexington that he played more often than you think for a youngster. Didn't start much but also came on as sub.
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I may be wrong here but I think that was mostly down to an injury crisis in midfield. Jeff Rene Adelaide and Ox also played in midfield and we had no CMs on the bench that day.
Wenger played AMN at LB in probably 90% of his appearances. Annoyingly. To me it seems Arteta and Emery are too scared to try him there because Wenger never really gave him a chance in that position.
posted on 25/1/21
comment by Mi Pelea (U18355)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Mi Pelea (U18355)
posted 2 minutes ago
Away to United I meant
The game where Mavropanos started and we all thought we had the next big thing at CB
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He played against Southampton in the FA Cup as well. And it was the point I was making to Lexington that he played more often than you think for a youngster. Didn't start much but also came on as sub.
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I may be wrong here but I think that was mostly down to an injury crisis in midfield. Jeff Rene Adelaide and Ox also played in midfield and we had no CMs on the bench that day.
Wenger played AMN at LB in probably 90% of his appearances. Annoyingly. To me it seems Arteta and Emery are too scared to try him there because Wenger never really gave him a chance in that position.
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Did well against rapid Vienna as well a few months ago. Never really let us down. Shame he isn't given more of a chance.
posted on 25/1/21
Yea he was quality that game
It’s just annoying because whenever he has played there he’s looked good but has never been given the chance to make the spot his own. If I remember correctly he was given MOTM against United
posted on 25/1/21
Yeah AMN was heavily criticised against Palace but he didn't let us concede unlike cedric vs Southampton. That cross which Gabriel deflected in should have never been allowed to come in.