Martin Odegaard has been in superb form for Arsenal this season, particularly in front of goal, and the Norwegian midfielder has already reached double figures in terms of goals scored in the Premier League, a career high for him.

In front of goal, Odegaard initially struggled to find his feet in English football during his loan spell at Arsenal in 2021, scoring just one goal in 14 Premier League appearances.

However, last season he improved his scoring record, netting seven goals in 36 games.

This season, Odegaard has taken his game to another level.

He has already scored 10 goals in just 27 league appearances for Arsenal, averaging almost a goal every three games.

The 23-year-old has been a key player for the Gunners and was handed the captain’s armband by manager Mikel Arteta for reasons that are now crystal clear to everybody.

“I think I’ve improved my ‘arrival’. Now I’m getting into the area more. They’re not the most beautiful goals, but I’m in the right places to score and that helps me a lot. I’m happy to contribute to the team with goals,” Odegaard said, highlighting his improvement in getting into scoring positions.

Odegaard has also been shooting more than ever before, with 23 shots on target and 73 shots in total in the league this season (0.9 shots on target per game).

This is more than he managed in each of his last three full seasons league football (0.6 last season, 0.2 during his loan), including with Real Sociedad (0.5 in 19/20). In his last half-season with Real Madrid, he did not manage one shot on target.

Jonas Adnan Giaever, a Norwegian journalist, believes that Odegaard’s change in position and greater responsibility at Arsenal have been key to his improvement.

“Arsenal’s attack revolves around him,” Giaver told MARCA.

“In addition, he plays closer to the area and is more mature in the moment making decisions regarding passing or shooting.

“When he was younger, sometimes he preferred to assist than score, but now he has more power, responsibility…

“He is the captain and the benchmark of the team.

“His secret is that he has assumed responsibility and he is already one of the best in the world, showing the talent and potential that showed up when he was young.

“In the face of the loss of Gabriel Jesus, Odegaard, along with Martinelli, Saka, Nketiah… he has carried the offensive load and he has done it fantastically.

“He is like the best basketball players who score, assist and dribble opening space for their teammates.

“He already has all three and that puts him at the level of the best.

“It was not his time [at Real Madrid],” Giaver added.

“Odegaard needed to play to mature, feel loved and he has made at Arsenal.

“In addition, at Madrid he was a ‘8’ and now a ’10’ with freedom.

“He has changed position and has a new role, with greater responsibility. And after so many loans, he already has his place.

“He feels at home”.

Odegaard’s ability to manage the tempo of the game and remain calm in front of goal has also been praised.

“When he has the ball, time stops,” said James Gregg, a journalist for BBC.

“His peace of mind to finish is enormous. For me, he is the best midfielder in the Premier, even ahead of De Bruyne.”

Odegaard’s form will be key to Arsenal’s chances of success this season, as they look to end their long wait for  premier League title.

With the Norwegian midfielder in such fine form, they will certainly have a chance of achieving their goals.