Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has explained the problem with Arsenal’s star player this season.
Arsenal have failed to deliver on the promise from early in the season, and after another promising campaign, their title race looks set to fizzle out for the third season running.
One of the players who was expected to play a key role is club captain Martin Odegaard, who has failed to live up to expectations this season.
Odegaard has registered just 3 goals and 6 assists this season, compared to 11 goals and 11 assists last season.
Martin Odegaard scores for Arsenal || Imago
 "He tries too hard — Liverpool legend Riise explains why Arsenal star is not performing 2")
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to give up hope of catching Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Ex-Liverpool defender Riise believes Odegaard’s struggles stem from him trying too hard.
Speaking to GOAL, via BetMGM, Riise also suggested injuries may have affected his countryman.
“It’s difficult for a player like Odegaard to have a great season and then repeat that, being in his position.
“I expected a little bit more from Martin Odegaard. The injuries might have given him more pain than he realises,” said Riise.
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 "He tries too hard — Liverpool legend Riise explains why Arsenal star is not performing 4")
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“What happened last season, he looked so free. His body language and everything was nice.
“Now, he is trying too hard to do the same thing, it’s not fluent. He’s overthinking it sometimes. He’s trying too hard.”
The Arsenal captain missed 13 games this season and even a late-season return to form may not be good enough to salvage the Gunners’ season.
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