Why are Arsenal fans critical of Ødegaard in Nwaneri’s presence?

/ Player Analysis

A tactical dive onto Ødegaard’s unique role as a RCM + Nwaneri and his versatility as a creative outlet for Arsenal!

Arsenal fans’ recent criticism of players has ignited plenty of debate about individual performances and positions. One player under scrutiny is club captain Martin Ødegaard with questions emerging about his role, especially amid the rising prominence of Ethan Nwaneri.

It’s not a surprise that Arsenal are a balanced side with Ødegaard playing – linking up play efficiently + space manipulation + holding the tempo of the team + effectiveness of his passes to make a difference against diff blocks

Ødegaard is known to be the deep connector in Arsenal’s first phase of progression — often dropping deep to receive from defence and driving forwards by carrying or looking for triangular lanes eased out with simple yet effective flicks, feints and passes

Ødegaard’s impact in Arsenal’s pressing is monumental to the teams functioning off the ball. Can pressurise and nick the ball away + use his body to shield the ball. Defensive contribution as a playmaker is like none, commendable work ethic

From playing as a CAM some seasons ago, he’s playing a RCM role that is unique of its sorts – deeper than a usual creator in possession. In the advanced role he played he finished the season with 15 PL goals. Things haven’t been similar for him since, neither his Ø-zone effectiveness

Ødegaard shift as a controller and distributor of the ball has a more nuanced view with his approach due to the tactical instructions. The burden of solely connecting play by dropping deep has rather done him bad than good- lead to ineffectiveness in posing danger from zone 14

However, despite his many positives, Ødegaard’s shortcomings often stand out against low blocks. He sometimes struggles to create chances in tight spaces > where the defensive setup limits his influence. Could overthink patterns of play, which can lead to unnecessary complications in the attacking flow.

Another area to improve in his game are the generally routine ones of being overly reliant on his left foot – makes sequences of play one directional and predictable for opposition defences (RHS bias). So why are fans growing in favour of Nwaneri?

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You might link it to a type of shiny new toy syndrome within the fanbase in Ethan Nwaneri’s rapid growth and his comparisons directly to Ødegaard as a creator. Beyond just taking the keys as a 17 y/o in the squad, his package has yielded appreciations

Nwaneri operates with the license to roam freely, without any burden of OOP duties although he’s been putting up great numbers in that aspect now. Always front footed + fearless with his dribbles/shooting/passing, making him a real eye pleaser

Playing under Arteta demonstrates first hand out of possession dynamics and the importance of playing as a team. Nwaneri’s willingness to fall deeper and aid a hand defensively was key to limit opposition players by creating a 2v1

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Ethan’s physical stature makes it easy for him to ride challenges – his technique + COG help him orient his body according to the patterns he wants to shift into. This helps Arsenal recycle the ball and create transition opportunities.

Nwaneri’s chunk of creativity comes in the final third, especially the trademarked right half space crosses + cutting in and surprising defences. These attacking + defensive duties keep fans off guard on the consistency to which Ødegaard operates in his shuttler role

People want to see an elite carrier and creative output who’s only pass first in the final third which doesn’t suit the system. The ideas of a Wirtz, Musiala and Eze have been dried down this season due to the systemic changes – a way that the team doesn’t function

For Ødegaard to hit his peak once again in the new dynamics, i’d want to complete the project with a pass first body (#6/8)who helps in progression and cuts down his build up duties alongside the FB. Same for Nwaneri #10 – he won’t be burdened with build up duties due to the #6/8 + fullbacks

Nwaneri’s ability to roam from the wider positions on the wings is the correct spot for development currently. Spatial awareness from wider areas + agile movements and stopovers to create separation and explosively make way for a shot are utilised at its peak.

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