Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has criticised Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, suggesting that the midfielder may be contributing to the club’s struggles in scoring goals from open play. Scholes shared his views while speaking on The Overlap, where he analysed Arsenal’s attacking problems this season.

According to the former England midfielder, Odegaard’s role as a number 10 comes with the responsibility of driving attacking football, something he believes the Arsenal skipper has not done effectively. Scholes argued that when a team lacks creativity and fluid movement going forward, the playmaker must take responsibility for improving the team’s attacking rhythm.

Scholes also claimed that Odegaard’s style of play negatively affects Arsenal’s striker, Viktor Gyokeres. He explained that a centre forward depends heavily on service and link-up play from attacking midfielders, and without that support, the striker can become isolated and ineffective during matches.

The comments have sparked debate among football fans, especially Arsenal supporters, as Odegaard is widely seen as a key figure in the team. While Scholes believes changes are needed to boost Arsenal’s attacking output, others argue that the team’s challenges go beyond one player and require a collective improvement.