Odegaard Rediscovering His Form and Demonstrating Exceptional Passing Ability

Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column where Nick Wright combines data and opinion to highlight key stories from the Premier League. This week's topics include: Odegaard's unique value to Arsenal, whether Manchester City's best is yet to come, and a player to watch over the weekend. Martin Odegaard's exceptional passing ability was on full display as he set up Martin Zubimendi's goal against Aston Villa, taking six defenders out of the game with a single pass. According to Zubimendi, when Odegaard has the ball, his teammates must be prepared to make runs, as he possesses the quality to pick out precise passes. The accuracy of the pass was reminiscent of Odegaard's playing style, which his former coach, David Nielsen, described as unparalleled. Nielsen noted that Odegaard's technical ability and work ethic were exceptional, even as a teenager, and that these qualities translated into a unique touch on the ball and exceptional passing and vision. A decade later, Odegaard's performance against Aston Villa showcased these same qualities, with the assist for the second goal being a standout moment. He led the team in touches, chances created, shots, and final-third passes, following a similarly influential display against Brighton. Odegaard, now fully recovered from injuries, appears to be back to his best form. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commented that Odegaard is now 'flowing' and that his energy level has returned, allowing him to take risks and significantly impact the game. After a disappointing campaign last season, where his captaincy was questioned, Odegaard has bounced back, and his unique creativity is once again evident. Despite the interruptions of shoulder and knee injuries, Odegaard ranks fourth for chances created per 90 minutes and third for chances created in open play. His passing incisiveness can be seen in his numbers for through-balls, line-breaking passes in the final third, and passes into the box. With Arsenal's summer recruitment providing a squad stacked with quality, they are better equipped to manage injuries to key players, including Odegaard. At his best, the 27-year-old's contribution remains unique, with his 'technical leadership' and influence out of possession, where he works tirelessly to stifle opponents and orchestrate the press. Odegaard won possession more times than any other Arsenal player across the games against Brighton and Aston Villa, and Arsenal have won 10 of the 11 games he has started, scoring 26 goals and conceding only four. His challenge now is to build on his recent performances, starting with the away game against Bournemouth. With the support of his manager, Odegaard can count on being a fixture in Arteta's team when fit. He has adapted to a slightly different role, rotating with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice, and his goal against Aston Villa showcased the team's positional fluidity. The rotations are proving difficult for opponents to handle, and Odegaard has demonstrated his tactical intelligence in adapting to the required role. While Arsenal can take encouragement from Odegaard's return to form, Manchester City also have reasons for optimism. They lost ground on the Gunners with their draw at Sunderland, but Pep Guardiola was relaxed, and the return of Rodri as a second-half substitute will be worth more to City than the two points they dropped. Rodri, a Ballon d'Or winner, looked like his old self, and Jeremy Doku, back from a leg injury, also excelled. City's best may be yet to come. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has hit form for Leeds, but there are promising signs from Thierno Barry, who replaced him at Everton and will hope to trouble Brentford on Sunday. The upcoming Premier League games include Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest and Arsenal's trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, and Everton vs Brentford, Fulham vs Liverpool, Newcastle vs Crystal Palace, and Tottenham vs Sunderland on Sunday, all available to watch on Sky Sports.