One of Martin Odegaard’s most important traits deserves more shine
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been known as one of the best playmakers in European football for nearly a decade now since breaking out in the Dutch division before shining in the top five leagues with Real Sociedad.
He is already off to another great start as a playmaker despite no assists, as he is averaging 2.4 key passes per game through five Premier League starts for Arsenal in 2026/27.
But he is also leading the league in a less publicized stat. Per Gradient Sports, Odegaard is first in the Premier League in the number of times he opens his body while receiving a pass.
While this seems like a nothing statistic, it is actually very important. See, Odegaard is not just a traditional attacking midfielder. He is like an 8 and a 10 rolled in one, as he is someone who not onl...