Martin Odegaard is the Premier League’s most creative player right now according to the stats.
The Arsenal captain has been in fine form for the Gunners this season. With seven goals and four assists in all competitions, the Norwegian international has been a key creative contributor for Mikel Arteta.
Odegaard has averaged 6.10 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League. Only Tottenham’s James Maddison ranks higher for creativity, with 8.17 shot-creating actions per game.
But with Maddison out injured since early November with an ankle injury, the Englishman has missed Spurs’ last nine Premier League games.
This means that as it stands, Martin Odegaard is the Premier League’s most creative player currently active.
His shot-creating actions rank higher per 90 minutes than Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise (5.85), teammate Bukayo Saka (5.75) and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United (5.63).
Martin Odegaard averages a little over six shot creating actions per 90 this season, making him the most creative player in the Premier League right now. 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/1G4DkkafE0
— Football365 (@F365) January 2, 2024
Martin Odegaard Stats
At 25 years old, Martin Odegaard has already notched up 346 senior club appearances. In that time, he’s scored 53 goals, with 61 assists.
Odegaard has played for numerous clubs including Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in La Liga. He’s also played in the Dutch Eredivisie for Vitesse and Heerenveen after starting his career with Strømsgodset IF in Norway.
A senior international for almost a decade already, Odegaard was first called up by Norway in August 2014. He made his debut in a goalless draw with the UAE on August 27.
Odegaard became the youngest senior Norway international of all time, at just 15 years and 253 days, breaking a record that had stood since 1910.
Since his debut, he has managed three goals in 55 senior international appearances.
Odegaard’s Creative Flair
Described as a “modern” playmaker with excellent technique, dribbling and first touch, Odegaard’s vision and range of passing set him apart from his peers.
Also able to provide precise delivery from set pieces and dead balls, the left-footed attacking midfielder has been compared to another former Arsenal great in Mesut Özil.
Odegaard’s creativity and direct attacking movement help to open the pitch up for teammates, with manager Mikel Arteta praising his footballing intelligence.
Arteta said: “He’s got a real stamina and he’s so talented, but his work-rate is incredible.”
A hard-working, tireless midfielder, Odegaard presses well without the ball and is not afraid to track back defensively.
But it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the Norwegian. He’s had to earn his place at football’s top table after struggling as a child prodigy at Real Madrid.
It wasn’t until his loan move to the Emirates that his career has really taken off. His 31 goals for the Gunners to date are as many as he’s cored in his entire club career elsewhere.
But now a settled and seasoned Premier League talent, he has been crucial to Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
Fans will be hoping to see him at his creative best for many years to come in North London. Their next chance to watch Odegaard will be Arsenal’s FA Cup third round tie with Liverpool on Sunday 7 January.
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