Arteta, Walcott Identify Arsenal Wonderkid Solution
Theo Walcott on Arsenal’s predictability without Martin Odegaard
Theo Walcott, former Arsenal player, recently shared his insights on how Arsenal’s gameplay became “predictable” in the absence of Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian midfielder, who was on loan at Arsenal from Real Madrid last season, played a crucial role in the team’s attacking tactics.
Martin Odegaard’s impact at Arsenal
Martin Odegaard’s presence in the Arsenal squad brought a new dimension to their attacking play. His vision, creativity, and ability to unlock defenses with precise passes made him a key player in Mikel Arteta’s lineup. Odegaard’s understanding of the game and his link-up play with the forwards added a layer of unpredictability to Arsenal’s attacking moves.
Theo Walcott’s observations
Theo Walcott, who spent more than a decade at Arsenal before moving to Everton, noticed a shift in Arsenal’s gameplay after Odegaard’s departure. Walcott pointed out that without Odegaard, Arsenal’s attacking patterns became more predictable, making it easier for opponents to defend against them. Walcott emphasized the importance of having players like Odegaard who can provide that element of surprise in the final third.
Solution to Arsenal’s predictability
According to Walcott, the solution to Arsenal’s predictability lies in finding players who can replicate Odegaard’s style of play. The former Gunner suggested that Arsenal should look for creative midfielders who can fill the void left by Odegaard’s departure. By adding more creativity and unpredictability to their midfield, Arsenal can regain their attacking edge and pose a greater threat to their opponents.
Looking ahead
As Arsenal continue their campaign in the Premier League and other competitions, Mikel Arteta will be looking to address the issue of predictability in their gameplay. By identifying players who can bring a similar impact to the team as Odegaard did, Arsenal can diversify their attacking options and keep their opponents guessing. The insights provided by Theo Walcott shed light on the importance of having versatile and creative players in the squad to maintain a competitive edge in modern football.
