Martin Odegaard won the player-of-the-match award against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, as reported by the BBC. The Norwegian playmaker's impressive display included a brilliant third goal, leaving City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on the floor. Odegaard completed the most passes (55/58), dribbles (3/3) and won possession the most times (nine) among the Arsenal players in action.
Odegaard's performance has sparked debate about whether he can regain his top form after a frustrating 2025-26 season. He only started 16 times in the league and scored one goal with seven assists, his lowest totals since joining Arsenal permanently from Real Madrid in 2021-22. However, his performance against Manchester City showed early signs that he might be returning to his best.
The signing of £75m Bruno Guimaraes may bring another level out of Odegaard, as the two players appeared to click straight away in their first start together. Mikel Arteta has moved to strengthen his midfield, and with Odegaard, Guimaraes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Merino, Arsenal have one of the best midfield options in football.
Odegaard finished last season fit and went on to shine at the World Cup with Norway, where he started five of their six games and registered four assists. He has spoken about using his experiences from last season as motivation to come back stronger this year.