Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has delivered a sharp assessment of Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, suggesting the midfielder is becoming a tactical concern for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes expressed admiration for the Norwegian playmaker’s technical ability but questioned his positioning and role within the team.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s recent match against Newcastle, Scholes said he only caught part of the game but was left concerned by Ødegaard’s movements on the pitch.
“I think Odegaard is a big problem for them,” Scholes stated. “I love him, I think he’s brilliant. Technically he’s great, but he doesn’t play his position properly.”
He further explained that during the early stages of the match, Ødegaard often appeared too deep, rather than operating in his usual advanced midfield role.
“Half the time I saw him in the first 20 minutes, he was almost the deepest man,” he added.
Scholes’ comments are likely to spark debate among fans, as Ødegaard remains a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield despite fluctuating performances this season.