Martin Odegaard has warned his place in the starting XI is no longer guaranteed
Arsenal’s massive 4-1 win over Tottenham not only reclaimed their title but also sparked a huge debate over the future of club captain Martin Odegaard.
After the five-star performance of Eberechi Eze, who netted twice in the North London Derby, pundits are warning that Odegaard’s once-assured place in the starting XI is now in serious jeopardy.
Martin Odegaard’s starting XI place is no longer confirmed after the Eze masterclass
Eze, a £60 million summer signing from Crystal Palace, has looked in “perfect form” in the orthodox number 10 role, thriving in midfield supported by the pivot double of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Former Arsenal defender Adrian Clarke is one of those who praised Eze, noting that the midfielder “grew three inches taller” after opening the scoring.
Clarke argued that the swagger and drive shown by Eze has now “put a damper” on Arsenal’s creative centre.
Asked about his performance at Spurs, Arsenal defender Adrian Clarke said on talkSPORT: “He was outstanding, wasn’t he?
“This was a real 10 role, because we had Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi who were flat with them.
“He was a man in the middle. And I think you have to play at the top to disrupt the game.
“Make sure he gets into the box, obviously he got into the box with both goals, he wins the ball, he started to win the ball better than at the beginning of the season.
“We saw this when the second one was built, I just thought that when he hit the first one, Eze grew three centimeters taller, he started to have a little movement about him, it was the same as his stage.
“Some of the little touches and playing and playing in the corner was fun to watch, he was learning well, but he has set himself a goal now.
“That has to be the standard. You can’t just do it twice a season against Spurs. He has to play that way, that goal, that hurts everybody. And if he does that, Odegaard won’t be back in the team.”
Eze vs. Martin Odegaard
While Odegaard has long been the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s side, this season’s stats highlight a changing of the guard.
Hampered by an ankle injury early in the campaign and a recent knee problem, the Norwegian’s production has paled in comparison to Eze’s explosive impact.
Eze’s ability to disrupt play at the top of the pitch and his prolific goalscoring return, including five goals against Spurs alone this season, provide the direction Odegaard has lacked at times in 2026.
Odegaard’s future at Arsenal is uncertain
Odegaard has been linked with a move this summer, with reports suggesting Arsenal are ready to part ways with their captain.
Arsenal are reported to have put a hefty price tag of £80m on Odegaard, who is wanted by a number of clubs including Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
Spanish giants Barcelona have also been linked with him in the past.
With the Norwegian’s future uncertain, Eze could be a long-term contender for the No. 10 role at the club.
