Could Odegaard lose his first-team place to Nwaneri?

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·9 août 2025

Could Odegaard lose his first-team place to Nwaneri?

Martin Odegaard delivered an outstanding performance during the 2023/2024 season, leading many Arsenal supporters to believe he was only just entering the prime years of his career, with even greater achievements ahead.

However, in the most recent campaign, his form noticeably declined, prompting concern among fans that he may have already reached his peak and could now be on a downward trajectory..

Vidéos OneFootball

Concerns Over Odegaard’s Form

Odegaard is fully aware that he cannot afford another underwhelming season at the club. There are early indications that Arsenal may already be preparing for life without him if his struggles continue. As reported by Football Insider, Mikel Arteta has been trialling Ethan Nwaneri in a central role during pre-season, and the young player has adapted impressively.

Nwaneri has transitioned from playing on the wing to operating as Arsenal’s number ten without significant difficulty, though there is still considerable room for development. His progress has reportedly caught the attention of the coaching staff, who are keen to give him more opportunities in the first team.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

A Challenge for the Midfield Role

The report further states that the time has arrived for Odegaard to demonstrate he can consistently deliver high-quality performances. Failure to do so could result in him being replaced in the starting line-up by Nwaneri, as Arsenal intensifies its push for silverware.

Nwaneri is considered an exceptional prospect with significant long-term potential. Should Odegaard’s form remain inconsistent, it is likely that the younger player will be entrusted with the role of the team’s principal creative force. This shift would represent a substantial change in Arsenal’s midfield dynamics, signalling a readiness to prioritise emerging talent over established figures who are unable to maintain top performance levels.

The coming season will therefore be pivotal for Odegaard, not only for his standing within the club but also for his career trajectory. The pressure is now firmly on him to reaffirm his place as Arsenal’s creative leader and to prove that his best football is still ahead of him.

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