Arteta Faces Midfield Dilemma as Odegaard Nears Return
Mikel Arteta has received strong advice to keep Martin Odegaard on the bench for Arsenal's upcoming Premier League clash with Brentford, despite the captain's imminent return to full fitness. The Norwegian midfielder has been sidelined since his substitute appearance against Leeds United in late January, missing Arsenal's last two matches due to what Arteta described as a minor 'niggle'.
Winterburn's Warning Against Rushing Odegaard
Speaking ahead of Thursday's match, Arteta dismissed suggestions that Odegaard might miss the game entirely, telling reporters: 'I didn't say that.' However, former Gunners defender Nigel Winterburn believes there's no need to rush the 27-year-old back into the starting eleven, especially given Kai Havertz's impressive performances since returning from his own long-term injury.
'We've seen Havertz come back and he's done very well,' Winterburn told Metro via Zamsino NZ. 'How much game time does a manager want to give him in a short period of time after nearly a year out is a question.'
Winterburn emphasized that Odegaard's captaincy shouldn't guarantee automatic selection: 'Odegaard is the captain, but I still don't think that's going to give him the right to come straight back into the team when he's fit, and I think he should have to wait his turn.'
Statistical Concerns and Midfield Competition
Odegaard's attacking output has declined this season, with just one goal and four assists in 18 league appearances. This has opened the door for Havertz to establish himself in the midfield, creating a selection headache for Arteta.
'Odegaard could come back in there, Eze could come back in there,' Winterburn noted. 'So, it's such a difficult question to answer as to who should start.'
The potential return of Odegaard could further limit opportunities for Eberechi Eze, whose last league start came in mid-December against Wolves. Since the new year, the English midfielder has managed just 92 minutes of league action from substitute appearances.
Winterburn's Advice for Eze
Winterburn challenged Eze to be more assertive when given opportunities: 'From now to the end of the season, I would think Eze is going to get plenty of game time. He's a player I really like.'
'He's now at a huge club in terms of expectation, and he, Havertz, and Odegaard are battling to be in the same position,' Winterburn continued. 'The one thing I would say is Odegaard's all energy. Eze looks a little bit more laid back with the way, the style he plays.'
Winterburn suggested Eze needs to adapt to Arteta's demanding system: 'When he gets that opportunity, when he comes on or if he starts, I would just like to see him a bit more demanding of the ball in the creative areas and really showing us what we know he can do.'
'He's got lovely close control, can pick out a pass, can score goals,' Winterburn added. 'Although we don't like to say it, sometimes, when you sign players, you give them up to a year to completely settle in.'
The former defender acknowledged the adjustment period required: 'We want everyone to hit the ground running and show us exactly what they've got. But Mikel Arteta's style is a high-intensity press. It's a huge amount of workload on the players, and Eze's just got to adapt to that situation.'
As Arsenal prepare for their trip to Brentford, Arteta faces a crucial decision regarding his midfield configuration, balancing Odegaard's return to fitness against Havertz's current form and Eze's need for development within the team's demanding tactical framework.
