How Does Martin Odegaard Play Under Mikel Arteta?
Martin Ødegaard plays the #8 role under Mikel Arteta as a high-energy, attack-minded midfielder who blends playmaking with intense pressing. His interpretation of the role is unique because he operates almost as a hybrid between a traditional central midfielder and an advanced playmaker, making him one of Arsenal’s most important creative forces.
1. Positional Fluidity and Advanced Positioning
Ødegaard starts in the right half-space but frequently drifts into more advanced areas, almost like a secondary attacking midfielder. Unlike a typical box-to-box #8, he tends to position himself high up the pitch, closer to the striker and wingers. This allows him to:
Link play between midfield and attack by receiving in pockets of space.
Create overloads on the right side, working closely with Bukayo Saka and Ben White.
Be a pressing trigger, applying pressure to opposing defenders when Arsenal loses possession.
2. Playmaking and Chance Creation
As the team's main creative force, Ødegaard excels in:
Breaking defensive lines with incisive passes – he plays through balls and cutbacks with precision.
Combining in tight spaces, using quick one-twos with teammates, particularly Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
Dribbling in half-spaces to disrupt defensive structures before delivering key passes.
His left-footed dominance means he prefers to cut inside onto his stronger foot, either to slip a through ball behind the defense or take a shot himself.
3. Pressing and Defensive Workrate
One of the most underrated aspects of Ødegaard’s game under Arteta is his pressing. He leads Arsenal’s high press by:
Closing down passing lanes to force defenders into mistakes.
Winning the ball high up the pitch, allowing Arsenal to counter quickly.
Tracking back into midfield when needed, though his primary defensive duty is pressing rather than deep recoveries.
4. Goal-Scoring Threat
Unlike a traditional #8, Ødegaard consistently finds himself in goal-scoring positions. His ability to:
Arrive late into the box makes him a secondary scoring option behind the striker.
Take accurate shots from the edge of the area, particularly with his left foot.
Use disguised finishes to beat goalkeepers when inside the box.
5. Leadership and Game Control
As Arsenal’s captain, Ødegaard dictates the tempo of the game, ensuring the team remains composed. He often:
Slows down or speeds up play depending on the game state.
Encourages positional rotations, ensuring fluid movement across the midfield.
Directs pressing intensity, setting the example for the team’s off-ball work.
How to Play the Advanced #8 Role in Modern Football
Mikel Arteta's system at Arsenal has redefined the #8 position, particularly through Martin Ødegaard. His role blends creativity, pressing intensity, and goal threat—making him an essential figure in Arsenal’s tactical framework. But how does one master this role? This guide will break down the key elements, historical examples, tactical details, modern examples, and essential statistics that define a world-class advanced #8.
I. Understanding the Advanced #8 Role
The #8 is traditionally a central midfielder, but in modern systems—particularly Arteta’s—the position has evolved into a hybrid between a playmaker, a pressing engine, and an attacking outlet. This advanced version of the #8 operates closer to the opponent’s penalty area, linking midfield and attack while providing defensive energy.
Key Responsibilities of an Advanced #8
Positioning Between the Lines
The #8 must find space between midfield and defensive lines to receive the ball on the half-turn.
This requires high spatial awareness and constant scanning before receiving possession.
They frequently drift into half-spaces rather than staying central.
Pressing & Defensive Work
The advanced #8 is a key part of a team’s pressing structure.
They trigger high pressure on opposition defenders and midfielders, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas.
They also contribute to counter-pressing when possession is lost.
Chance Creation
This role requires vision and technical skill to play incisive through balls and make quick combinations in the final third.
A high pass completion rate in advanced areas is crucial.
Goal Threat
Unlike a deep-lying playmaker, an advanced #8 gets into the box often.
They make late runs into the penalty area, looking to score from cutbacks and rebounds.
They also need the ability to shoot from distance.
Tempo Control & Ball Retention
This player often dictates when to accelerate or slow the game down.
They need composure under pressure and the ability to escape tight situations.
II. Historical Evolution of the Advanced #8
The advanced #8 has existed in some form for decades, but its responsibilities have evolved with football's tactical shifts. Here are some historical examples of players who played similar roles in different systems:
1. Johan Cruyff (Ajax & Barcelona, 1970s)
While mainly a forward, Cruyff would often drop deep and operate as a roaming playmaker, similar to a modern advanced #8.
His ability to create from midfield and dictate the tempo was revolutionary.
His influence helped shape the idea of midfielders operating in attacking roles with freedom.
2. Zinedine Zidane (Juventus & Real Madrid, 1990s–2000s)
Played as a central midfielder but pushed higher up the pitch, influencing games with his dribbling, vision, and goal contributions.
Zidane was often deployed in a left-sided #8 role in a 4-3-3.
3. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, 2000s)
One of the earliest examples of an attacking #8 in the Premier League.
Had a free role in midfield, contributing goals, assists, and defensive work.
Thrived in a 4-3-3 under Rafael Benítez, where he partnered with Xabi Alonso.
4. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, 2016–Present)
Arguably the best modern example of an advanced #8.
Constantly finds space in half-spaces and between defensive lines.
High goal involvement, chance creation, and pressing intensity make him the blueprint for this role.
III. Tactical Breakdown of the Role
1. Positioning & Movement
Starts in a deeper position but progresses into the final third when possession is secured.
Rotates with wingers and full-backs to create numerical superiority in wide areas.
Stays central in transition to quickly recover possession.
Example:Ødegaard often drifts to the right half-space when Arsenal builds up, allowing Saka to stay wider while Ben White underlaps. This movement creates passing lanes while keeping the attack fluid.
2. Key Passing Metrics
Expected Assists (xA): Measures the quality of goal-scoring chances created. Ødegaard has been among the top in the Premier League for xA.
Progressive Passes: Passes that move the ball at least 10 yards closer to goal or into the final third.
Key Passes per 90 Minutes: Critical passes leading to shots.
Example:Kevin De Bruyne consistently ranks among the top players in Europe for xA and key passes, showing how the modern #8 is expected to create high-value opportunities.
3. Pressing & Defensive Duties
Pressing intensity must be high, often leading the press after a turnover.
Must cover passing lanes while pressing, rather than just chasing the ball.
Defensive duels and recoveries in the opponent’s half are crucial.
Example:Ødegaard leads Arsenal’s press by closing down center-backs and midfielders, forcing them into rushed passes. His defensive numbers in terms of pressures per 90 minutes rival some defensive midfielders.
4. Goal-Scoring & Attacking Output
Expected Goals (xG) measures a player’s likelihood of scoring based on shot quality.
Shot volume must be high, particularly from the edge of the box.
Off-ball movement is key to getting into dangerous positions.
Example:Gundogan at Manchester City often made late runs into the box under Pep Guardiola, scoring crucial goals. Ødegaard replicates this movement at Arsenal.
IV. Modern Players Excelling in This Role
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The gold standard of the attacking #8, with elite passing, shooting, and vision.
His ability to play as a deep midfielder or an advanced playmaker makes him invaluable.
Ilkay Gündogan (Barcelona, formerly Manchester City)
Master of late runs into the box, showcasing the goal-scoring aspects of the role.
His movement and intelligence make him difficult to mark.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
A modern #8 with a mix of physicality, pressing ability, and goal-scoring.
Thrives in advanced roles, often playing behind the striker.
Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
Balances pressing, creativity, and goal threat.
Key to Arsenal’s buildup and final-third play.
V. How to Develop as an Advanced #8
Improve Off-Ball Movement
Study how Ødegaard and De Bruyne create space with their positioning.
Master One-Touch Passing
The best #8s can play quick combinations under pressure.
Enhance Pressing Intelligence
Anticipate passing lanes and force defenders into mistakes.
Develop a Goal-Scoring Instinct
Work on finishing from the edge of the box and making late runs.
Increase Stamina & Workrate
The role demands high-intensity pressing and attacking contribution.