Martin Odegaard's imperious form for Arsenal continued at the weekend with a goal and involvement in another as the Gunners ran out 3-2 winners at Watford.
The Norwegian has been excellent in recent weeks and has been an integral part of four successive wins to propel Mikel Arteta's side into fourth spot in the race for Champions League football.
And Odegaard's move to more of a right-sided '8' has been the catalyst for his improved performances, with the Norwegian striking up a productive relationship with Bukayo Saka down the right-hand side.
The move from Arteta to move him into that role and away from a traditional '10' has been key and actually goes against the advice of a certain Erling Haaland, who is on record as saying his fellow countryman's best role is in the better-known playmaker position.
Haaland and Odegaard both play together for the Norweigan international team and they are the standout players for their country.
Haaland has previously suggested that his teammate should be used exclusively in a number 10 role, something Arsenal's formation switch has led to him moving away from.
Speaking to Norweigan outlet VG, Haaland discussed Odegaard and Arsenal earlier in the season, saying: “It will be interesting. Arsenal are a big club in England.
"It’s a bit different football, but I think he can fit in well with Mikel Arteta on the 10 role.” He added.
“He can enjoy himself there.”
Odegaard has been thriving in recent months due to the trust that has been shown in him by Arteta to be the enforcer in Arsenal’s midfield and create most of the chances.
The Norwegian international has been crucial to Arteta’s side's improved build-up play this season, which is why the club have the third-highest xG in the league since December 17.
The inability to create chances at the start of the season was a critical problem for the Gunners, who failed to score in each of their opening three games.
The lack of chance creation was still an issue when Odegaard initially joined the club and the 23-year-old did not seem to have quite the same level of creative license at the time.
However, according to Opta, Arsenal have created 46.3% of their chances through the middle this season, which is the highest proportion in the Premier League and Odegaard's ability to drift into those half-spaces is helping to elevate the Arsenal attack.
Giving Odegaard the freedom to roam has allowed him to forge that strong link with Saka and the win at Watford was proof of how devastating the connection can be as the two players linked up for a magnificent goal early on.
Odegaard has featured in this position before for Real Sociedad and, during his time in Spain, he would constantly find himself creating chances in the right-half space or along the right touchline, where he often excelled.
Haaland and Odegaard's own link-up has led to an exciting and blossoming partnership at international level and Arsenal are building something similar between the latter and Saka down their right flank. The positions may be altered but ultimately Odegaard's quality hasn't and he remains the driving force behind Arsenal's bid for a top-four finish.
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