Mirth come on man, who would bench prime Xavi and Iniesta? Odegaard wouldn't either.
Odegaard has it all to prove, well the snake did it all

      HomeSteak my point was that goals and assists don’t translate to evaluating performances for that midfield role.

      And yeah, Fabregas won it all but not at Arsenal

        Mirth Although back in the 00s it was normal for your best player to have a free role to influence the game how they saw fit until tiki-taka and then ControlBall ruined the fun

        Its still normal for some teams. Look at Salah or Palmer.

        Mirth I’d say him and Odegaard are on par for what they achieved so far

        Yeah but Ode has some heavy lifting in these next few seasons to match him for trophies.

        MistaT That said, outside of a few cowardly performances at Liverpool, I think on his worst day Odegaard is noticeably better than Fabregas at his lows. Odegaard has a far bigger impact on our defensive pressing and shape.

        Fabregas was capable of some next level stupidity that you just don't get from Odegaard. I also think Odegaard is a much better leader. And his defensive contribution is more significant.

                Odegaard is phenomenal, but let's not forget prime Cesc was something else. At one point he was legit the best CM in midfield and at that age, something special.

                I agree with BBKG, moving him up front got more goals and assist but he was less effective overall. When Mourinho played him as a DLP again when he came back, that season was out of the world with some of his passes and vision. I remember thinking we got the wrong player. But ultimately he was only good for 1 season and Ozil was good for around 3.

                  Clrnc I’m with you. Prime Fabregas was godly. Even as a child, I’ll never forget first time seeing him play and look like a veteran from day1.

                    Qwiss Oh, that I agree. We had Ramsey and Cazorla and badly needed a striker but we got another playmaker lol.

                      a month later

                      He's been really out of it since he became a dad in the beginning of December. Could be coincidental, but I wonder if his head isn't all in the game.

                        He’s a support man not a talisman

                        QuincyAbeyie I think Ode has always lacked some aspects. He would throw in a few games where he didn't really impact it enough and his finishing isn't the greatest unless he's running on to a strike. But for the most part he was pretty consistent but it certainly seems something isn't right with him at the moment.

                          • Qwiss

                          • Post #1082

                          Needs the right team around him.

                            Qwiss as anyone does. Even at his worst, he makes a few moments of magic. Least of our problems.

                                I saw a stat that he created 10 chances today? didn't watch the game myself, but he can't have been terrible if that's true?

                                  Either his ankle isn’t right or he’s not fully invested.

                                  Didn’t know he was a new dad., but as one myself I totally understand if he’s finding it hard to reach prior peaks at work.

                                    Gazza M — he created some decent chances, but he didn’t run the show. We never got consistent influence from him. We still look at odds going forward and he’s not doing enough to dictate how we attack.

                                    I can understand why fans didn’t think much of his game today.