Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterIf the main reason is that Odegaard is free of the injuries that saw him miss 30 games last season for Arsenal and Norway, there can be no doubt that the No. 8 has a more determined mindset now. He seizes games more now.At 27, Odegaard has come of age as a heavyweight footballer. He arrived at the top of the table with Arsenal in May and now at the top table with the worlds elite players.For lovers of historical echoes there are reminders of the blossoming of Dennis Bergkamps talent in 1998. Arsenal had just narrowly won an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Middlesbrough in the January. Bergkamp was already on the coach outside the Riverside when Tony Adams strode down the aisle. Arsenals forthright captain stared at this supreme technician who adorned games but never imposed himself fully.Martin Odegaard is having his Dennis Bergkamp moment at ArsenalAdams challenged Bergkamp. Youve been two and a half years, Dennis, he said. Isnt it time you won something? It would be a shame not to with your ability. Suitably challenged, Bergkamp responded. He helped Arsenal to the Double, himself to Footballer of the Year honours and the Dutch to the semi-finals of the World Cup with that sumptuous strike against Argentina in Marseille.There was no similar lightning strike of realisation in Odegaards career, no decisive home truths from a team-mate. But the change is still seismic. Its a transformation that Odegaard has undergone under his own direction. Escaping the inhibiting clutches of knee and shoulder injuries has helped. The main change is psychological. Hes toughened up. You may like "Arsenal should sell world champions like Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino before even considering moving on Myles Lewis-Skelly hes that important" Henry Winter for FourFourTwo in Cardiff Unlikely Arsenal man on course for season-best tally after Mikel Arteta's latest tactical innovation Arsenal shouldn't sell Gabriel Martinelli - even if it's a record sale Odegaard is hurting opponents more now. When Ezri Konsa overwhelmed Morgan Rogers in a robust challenge, Odegaard responded quickest to the loose ball. Hes more decisive now, more progressive. Rather than circulating the ball, Odegaard went for the jugular, launching the move that climaxed with his well-timed run into the box, and emphatic finish.So far this season, Odegaard has now beaten Chelseas Emi Martinez and Manchester Citys Gianluigi Donnarumma, who share the last three Yashin Trophies as worlds best keeper in Ballon dOr voting. (Odegaard has also scored past Coventry Citys highly-regarded Carl Rushworth).Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.That goal against Martinez showed the level of understanding in Arsenals attack. Their new left-winger, Christos Tzolis, has quickly learned Odegaards movement and now twice picked him out for goals. Odegaard also benefits from Kai Havertzs vision, notably in that dummy to ensure Tzolis cross reached him. The Norwegians connection on the right with Bukayo Saka (and Ben White) is well-established.Odegaards influence is now felt all over. Hes taking more risks in his possession. Playing safe less. He found Havertz, Saka and Martin Zubimendi in quick succession during one period of particular control in the second half.Hes pressing more assiduously, again helped by that superior fitness. Hes more robust physically and mentally, shrugging off a foul from Reece James.As Gary Neville pointed out during Sky Sports' coverage, Odegaard needs more goals and assists. He has 37 of each in 179 Premier League appearances. Odegaard was legitimately criticised last season. Arsenal were more reliant on Declan Rice to drive them to the title in May. Odegaard still contributed, making six assists but scoring only once in 24 games. Hes graced seasons before, delivering impressive numbers, notably 15 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances in 2022/23. But never threatened being Footballer of the Year. He must surely look at Bruno Fernandes, see the numbers he generates, and realise the levels.Being captain of the champions has changed many peoples view of him. It must have changed his view of himself. Nobody can say hes not elite now. The summer helped, too. Odegaards performances against Ivory Coast and Brazil were immense, dragging Norway through some difficult moments in those knockout games (before losing to England).There are elements to improve. He didnt challenge Jorrel Hato strongly enough in the lead-up to Rogers goal. But his transformation is undeniable. Odegaards contract expires in two years and there will inevitably now be talk of an extension. On this form, hes worth it.TOPICSMartin OdegaardDennis BergkampArsenalPremier LeagueHenry WinterSocial Links NavigationWriterHenry Winter is one of football's most popular and respected writers. Previously the Chief Football Writer for The Times and a Football Correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, his work now primarily features on his Substack. He has also lauched his own podcast 'The Winter View'
