Martin Odegaard is enjoying a strong period of form for Arsenal.
Over the course of the team's last few matches, he's shone as one of Mikel Arteta's key performers, although he's done so without registering a goal or an assist.
The 23 year-old has performed well, but he hasn't assumed too much of the spotlight at the Emirates. His last assist was registered on Boxing Day, and he last found the net on December 11th.
In the modern game, he'd likely be criticised due to his reduced product but Arteta's former mentor - Pep Guardiola - has offered an insight into why players like Odegaard should persist with playing their own game.
"There are players that make the team play good but they are not in the statistics," said Guardiola. "Statistics never existed before. It is a problem in the real world, not just in football. The players are just 'how many goals did I score? How many assists?'
Guardiola's comments weren't aimed at Odegaard, but the Norwegian international is very much in the mould of the type of player who the Manchester City boss is referencing, because he doesn't score or assist very often.
He contributes a great deal beneath the surface, but without being involved at the very end of his team's moves.
Against Brentford recently, Odegaard provide a glue of sorts for the Gunners. Despite being fielded as a No.10, he often retained possession in dangerous areas and helped Arsenal generate waves of attacks.
He played in one of the most congested areas of the pitch, yet misplaced just 10 of his 73 passes. Odegaard also made more passes while under pressure from an opponent than any of his teammates, while placing top for progressive passes.
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He went on to place top for progressive passes against Wolves days later. Odegaard's actions can be highlighted to an extent using statistics, but going deeper than basic goals and assists is essential to capture what he's adding on the field for Arsenal.
He makes good decisions when in possession, moves the ball quickly and decisively, showcases a strong first touch when under pressure in tight spaces, and gets his teammates into valuable areas of the pitch.
Providing he's surrounded by players who are naturally inclined to add goals and assists to the team, Odegaard should continue to thrive at the Emirates despite his tendency to drift under the radar.
