Jamie Vardy has publicly praised Odegaard, highlighting the importance of a skilled attacking midfielder who can unlock defenses. In a recent podcast, Vardy described Odegaard as the “puppet master” for Arsenal, explaining that he pulls the strings, feeds teammates with creative passes, and constantly looks for the killer ball. He noted that having a player like Odegaard behind the front line would be a tremendous asset for any striker.
For Arsenal’s attack, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres offer different qualities up front. While neither is known for running in behind at pace like some strikers, the role of a midfield maestro behind them remains crucial. A striker with rapid off-the-shoulder movement could complement Odegaard’s playmaking, creating more goal-scoring opportunities. As Arsenal consider options for January, the potential addition of a forward who can stretch defenses could enhance Odegaard’s influence and help the team maximize its creative potential.