Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has leveled sharp criticism at Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, suggesting the Norwegian playmaker has become a significant liability for the Gunners. Speaking during a recent episode of The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes pointed to Odegaard’s positional discipline as a key area of concern.
Despite expressing admiration for Odegaard’s technical ability, Scholes argued that the 25-year-old frequently fails to fulfill his designated role on the pitch. He noted that during the first half-hour of Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle United—a match he partially watched—Odegaard often dropped too deep, virtually acting as the deepest outfield player at times.
Scholes remarked that this tendency disrupts Arsenal’s overall structure, leaving gaps in the final third and hindering the team’s attacking flow. While acknowledging Odegaard’s creativity and ball skills, the United legend stressed that such positional lapses are a recurring issue that undermines the team’s balance.
Odegaard, who has been a key figure for Mikel Arteta’s side, has faced scrutiny this season due to inconsistent performances. Scholes’ comments add to the growing debate about the Arsenal captain’s effectiveness in high-stakes matches. The criticism comes at a time when Arsenal are pushing for silverware, and any perceived weakness could be exploited by top opponents.