BBC presenter Gary Lineker says Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could use his performance against PSV as a springboard for better displays in the club’s remaining fixtures this season.

The playmaker has struggled to find his best level in recent months and, while Lineker agrees that the Norwegian has not played well, he thinks the player could now kick on after excelling midweek:

“Odegaard coming back to form, you mentioned him there and you said it was easy for him, but it would do his confidence a lot of good because he’s not quite been the Odegaard that we’ve seen so consistently over the last couple of seasons.”

“Yeah, that will do him the world of good. But as I said, he did have the freedom of Eindhoven. It was just incredible how much space they gave him.”

Odegaard’s numbers speak for themselves

The 26-year-old has only scored 2 goals and contributed 3 assists in 19 league appearances so far this campaign. That means he is averaging a goal contribution every 3.8 matches.

Last season, Odegaard managed to find the back of the net 8 times in the league and provide 10 assists, averaging an involvement every 1.9 games.

There is no doubt that the ankle injury that the midfielder suffered in September affected his performances, but he has been fully fit for several months now.

The Arsenal star will look to replicate his PSV Display this weekend

Odegaard will be in the starting lineup when Mikel Arteta’s side take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.

If he is given the same amount of space as he was at the Philips Stadion, he could well run the show once again. Fans will hope this represents a turning point in the Norwegian international’s season.

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