Is Martin Odegaard’s Best Behind Him? The Arsenal Star Faces Critical Juncture

As the Champions League semi-finals loom, all eyes are on Arsenal's captain Martin Odegaard, whose recent performances have raised eyebrows and sparked concerns about his form. After a disappointing display against Paris Saint-Germain, the question remains: Is this the end of the road for Odegaard’s magic, or can he rediscover his spark when it matters most? Odegaard’s recent outing saw him struggle under the spotlight, contributing to a lacklustre Arsenal showing. It’s a stark contrast to the dazzling playmaker fans have grown accustomed to, leading to doubts about whether he can rise to the occasion this season. A shining moment just days before the PSG clash—an assist for Declan Rice against Bournemouth—was merely a flicker in a darkening spell for the Norwegian. A deeper look into Odegaard’s struggles reveals a season marred by injuries. After suffering an ankle injury on international duty, he faced a three-month stretch on the sidelines. As Mikel Arteta noted, this significant absence disrupted not only Odegaard’s rhythm but also that of the entire Arsenal squad, who managed a mere 11 points during his injury absence. Despite his early return to action, it seems the lingering effects of that injury still haunt him. His usual silky dribbling, precise passing, and goal-scoring instinct have faltered significantly. With just five goals in 41 appearances this season—compared to an average of 13 in the previous two seasons—Odegaard’s dip in performance contrasts sharply with the expectations placed on him as a leader. The Arsenal dressing room, however, remains firmly behind their captain. Declan Rice has praised Odegaard’s work ethic and leadership, stating, “He’s our leader, he’s our captain,” underlining his importance despite recent criticism.

Yet, beneath that support lies a pressing reality: If Odegaard continues to struggle, Arsenal may need to search for reinforcements in the summer transfer window. Jamie Carragher even suggested that adding creative depth could be a pressing concern, potentially more urgent than the need for a prolific striker. Odegaard’s passing accuracy has also slipped. His ability to create chances has dwindled, with stats showing he has created 2.54 chances per game this season, just a hair below the previous two years. However, his defensive contributions have taken a hit, as evidenced by a drop in interceptions and tackles, weakening Arsenal’s famed pressing game. The absence of key players such as Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz has compounded these issues, further limiting Odegaard’s effectiveness on the pitch. Critics have begun to call for patience, noting that the impact of a prolonged injury should not be underestimated. Those who understand the demands placed on players returning from extensive lay-offs advise caution. “Three months is a long period,” explains Stephen Smith from Kitman Labs. “Players returning in the middle of a high-stakes season cannot expect to re-integrate smoothly without time to adjust.” His sentiment echoes through the fanbase—patience may indeed be required as the season reaches its climax. With Champions League ambition on the line, Odegaard stands at a crossroads. Can he channel the pressure to push past the doubts currently enveloping his game? Or will this season be remembered as one of lost opportunities? As fans watch the drama unfold, the hope is that Odegaard finds his rhythm again—his team desperately needs it, especially on the European stage. As Arsenal prepares for a crucial away leg, the spotlight will shine brightly on Odegaard. Will he rise to the occasion and carry his team towards glory, or will he continue to struggle? Only time will tell.

• Arsenal
• Martin Odegaard
• UEFA Champions League