Martin Odegaard has claimed that he can play as a ’number six’ for Arsenal, as he told Stadium Astro.
The 22-year-old joined Arsenal on a permanent this summer and was brought in by Mikel Arteta to boost their attacking and creative quality in the final third.
The likes of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Albert Sambi Lokonga have played those deeper roles for Arsenal this season, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Odegaard playing further up the field.
During his return to North London, Odegaard hasn’t been used in a number six role by Arteta.
But if he wants the one-time wonderkid to drop back and play as a defensive midfielder then it seems as though he can.
The ex-Real Madrid man shared that he can be used in four roles, if need be.
“I can play different positions,” said Odegaard. “I can play as an eight, as you say. But I think the best one is the number 10 behind the striker.
“But I can play as a six. A number eight. Also on the right side, I have played, especially with national teams, so it’s not that important to me where I play.
“But it’s more about the system and getting the best out of the team and you have to play well as a team. Then everyone will play well themselves.
“I think that’s the most important thing to just get the best out of the team.”
Arteta played both Smith Rowe and Odegaard during their 1-0 win at Burnley, with Partey as the anchor-man.
And it was Odegaard’s stunning free-kick that sealed all three points for his side.
It’s going to be interesting to see if Arteta takes more risks and plays his creative minds in the same team a lot more because it seems as though that’s what the fans would want.
A couple of weeks ago, it was all doom for the Arsenal boss, but the stronger XI he has been able to play has resulted in stronger performances for his side.
But now it’s a case of continuing that on because back-to-back wins just isn’t enough for this football club.
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