Feedback on Martin Odegaard
I want to do a deeper investigation into Martin Odegaard, doing a bit of a fact check on the pro and con side for him.
I want to make sure I steelman the con side, if you have reservations about him can you give me a bit of what specifically and why?
This post is open to all to comment on.
1. His goatee is too patchy, doesn't cover nearly enough ground on his face.
2. We have a 17 year old AM who already has a much fuller goatee, so you project out that Nwaneri's goatee will continue to develop at a rapid rate.
Can we get a Face Tilt or Hair Map breakdown between the two of them? Will help determine who has a more complete long-term profile.
Incredibly one footed. If he cannot use his preferred foot he will delay until he can, even if the situation requires us to pass the ball quicker.
Sometimes, he elects to not make simple passes further up the pitch even if the pass is on. Sometimes it feels like he does not want to make the "obvious" pass and wants to do something a little more unpredictable instead. Leads to him delaying and allowing the opponents to position themselves. That's a personal view though.
He can definitely make better forward runs this season. Seems like he wants the game in front of him too much. Instruction maybe.
His weight of pass in the final 3rd is wildly inconsistent. Overhits and underhits through balls slightly. He plays these balls often, but they are not that effective since they don't set the receiver up to do well with it.
I have doubts whether he can become a more traditional 10 at a high enough level with a Zubimendi type signing coming in. But I hope he can adapt! I do sometimes think though...someone like Wirtz in his place would push us higher. Less out of possession but so much more offensively. Arsenal need the balance to shift more offensively in my opinion. We are too conservative. We need bravery and unpredictability. Can he adapt to that in the way we would need?
All my opinions, I'm not an expert at all. I still believe he has a place here. Love the content Scott!