Arsenal Football Club, one of the most iconic teams in the English Premier League, has seen some remarkable performances from its players in the 22/23 season. This article highlights the best five players who have stood out on the pitch and made a significant impact on Arsenal’s success. From creative midfielders to promising young talents, these players have captured the hearts of Arsenal fans around the world.
Introduction
The 22/23 season has been a rollercoaster ride for Arsenal, but amidst the highs and lows, several players have consistently shone. Let’s take a closer look at the best five Arsenal players who have impressed the most this season and have become key contributors to the team’s success. Coming close to winning the Premier League title.
Martin Ødegaard: Arsenal Creative Force in Midfield
Martin Ødegaard, the Norwegian playmaker, has been a revelation for Arsenal this season, proving to be an invaluable asset in the midfield. With his exceptional vision, precise passing accuracy, and technical ability, Ødegaard has brought a new dimension to Arsenal’s gameplay. His impact on the pitch has been immense, as he consistently controls the tempo of the game and creates incisive through balls that unlock even the most stubborn defenses.
In the 22/23 season, Ødegaard has showcased his prowess in front of goal, scoring an impressive 15 goals in 37 appearances, with an expected goals (xG) of 10.00. His scoring frequency of 210 minutes per goal highlights his ability to find the back of the net consistently. Ødegaard’s goalscoring prowess is complemented by his average of 2.5 shots per game, with 0.9 shots on target per game. His goal conversion rate stands at 16%, a testament to his clinical finishing.
Notably, Ødegaard’s goals have come from various areas on the field, with 12 goals from inside the box and 3 goals from outside the box. This versatility and ability to score from different positions showcase his adaptability and threat in all areas of the attacking third.
While Ødegaard’s goal contributions are impressive, his playmaking abilities cannot be overlooked. He has provided 7 assists so far, with an expected assists (xA) of 7.95. His creative spark is evident through his average of 2.1 key passes per game and 14 big chances created. These statistics highlight his ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates and contribute to Arsenal’s attacking prowess.
Ødegaard’s impact extends beyond goal involvements and assists. He is heavily involved in Arsenal’s possession-based style of play, with an average of 60.3 touches per game. His passing accuracy is commendable, with an average of 84% accuracy throughout the season. Notably, his accuracy in the opposition half stands at 78%, indicating his ability to deliver precise and incisive passes in the final third.
Defensively, Ødegaard showcases his commitment and work rate. He makes an average of 0.2 interceptions and 1.0 tackle per game, highlighting his willingness to contribute defensively and win back possession for his team.
Despite his young age, Ødegaard has displayed remarkable maturity and composure on the field. He possesses the ability to thrive under high pressing situations, making him a valuable asset in Arsenal’s gameplay.
Bukayo Saka: The Versatile Youngster
Bukayo Saka, the talented young Englishman, has been a standout player for Arsenal in the 22/23 season, consistently impressing with his versatility and exceptional skills. Saka’s ability to excel in multiple positions, including as a winger, full-back, or attacking midfielder, has made him an invaluable asset for the team. His electric pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and intelligent decision-making have made him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
In the 38 appearances he has made, with 37 of them as a starter, Saka has showcased his goal-scoring ability, finding the back of the net 14 times. With an expected goals (xG) value of 11.45, Saka has demonstrated his effectiveness in converting scoring opportunities. His scoring frequency stands at 228 minutes per goal, highlighting his consistency in finding the back of the net.
Saka’s versatility extends beyond goal-scoring. He has been involved in Arsenal’s attacking play with an average of 2.3 shots per game, 0.8 shots on target per game, and an impressive goal conversion rate of 16%. Additionally, he has displayed his proficiency in set pieces, although he has yet to convert a free kick opportunity.
The majority of Saka’s goals, 13 out of 67, have come from inside the box, showcasing his ability to position himself effectively and finish with precision. Alongside his goal contributions, Saka has also provided 11 assists, with an expected assists (xA) value of 5.81. This demonstrates his creative vision and ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Saka’s influence extends beyond his offensive contributions. He is involved in Arsenal’s possession-based style of play, with an average of 54.4 touches per game. His passing accuracy stands at an impressive 81%, with an average of 26.3 accurate passes per game. Saka’s passing accuracy in the opposition half is noteworthy, at 71%, indicating his ability to deliver accurate passes in the final third.
Defensively, Saka showcases his commitment and work rate. He makes an average of 0.4 interceptions and 1.7 tackles per game, highlighting his willingness to contribute defensively and regain possession for his team. His ability to win duels is evident, with a total of 5.5 duels won per game, including 5.1 ground duels won.
Gabriel Martinelli: A Rising Star
Gabriel Martinelli, the young Brazilian forward, has emerged as a true rising star for Arsenal in the 22/23 season. Despite receiving limited game time, Martinelli has made a significant impact whenever he has stepped onto the field. His explosive pace, fearless dribbling, and clinical finishing have made him a potent threat in front of goal. Martinelli’s energy and work rate have injected a new level of intensity into Arsenal’s attack.
In the 36 appearances he has made, with 34 of them as a starter, Martinelli has showcased his goal-scoring ability by finding the back of the net 15 times. With an expected goals (xG) value of 9.33, Martinelli has consistently exceeded expectations. His scoring frequency stands at 187 minutes per goal, demonstrating his efficiency in converting goal-scoring opportunities.
Martinelli’s impact is not limited to his goal-scoring prowess. He registers an average of 2.2 shots per game, with 0.9 shots on target per game, showcasing his ability to consistently test opposing goalkeepers. Martinelli’s goal conversion rate stands at an impressive 19%, a testament to his clinical finishing ability.
The majority of Martinelli’s goals, 14 out of 62, have been scored from inside the box, highlighting his positioning and poaching instincts. Additionally, he has provided 5 assists, with an expected assists (xA) value of 6.96. This demonstrates his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, showcasing his well-rounded offensive contribution.
Martinelli’s involvement in Arsenal’s attacking play extends beyond goal contributions. He averages 1.6 key passes per game, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His passing accuracy is commendable, with an average of 22.4 accurate passes per game and an overall accuracy of 82%.
Defensively, Martinelli contributes with an average of 0.3 interceptions and 0.9 tackles per game. While his defensive statistics may not be as high as some of his teammates, his work rate and commitment are evident in his overall contribution to the team’s pressing efforts.
William Saliba: The Promising Defender
William Saliba, the highly-rated French defender, has emerged as a key player for Arsenal in the 22/23 season. Despite his young age of 22, Saliba has showcased remarkable maturity and defensive prowess, establishing himself as a rock-solid presence at the heart of Arsenal’s defense.
Saliba’s performances have been marked by his commanding presence and exceptional understanding of the game. His ability to read the play, anticipate opposition movements, and make crucial interceptions has played a vital role in Arsenal’s defensive solidity. With each game, Saliba has displayed an impressive level of composure, making him a reliable presence in the backline.
Having spent a loan spell away from Arsenal, Saliba has returned with newfound confidence. He has seamlessly adapted to the Premier League, displaying maturity beyond his years. Saliba’s calmness under pressure allows him to make sound decisions even in high-intensity situations, and his ability to maintain his composure is a testament to his mental strength.
Saliba’s statistics highlight his defensive contributions. His clean sheets and consistent performances have been instrumental in Arsenal’s quest for success. Saliba’s ability to make interceptions, win ground and aerial duels, and complete accurate passes demonstrate his well-rounded skill set and his impact on the team’s defensive stability.
Saliba possesses several notable strengths that set him apart as a promising defender. His excellent performance in ground duels showcases his ability to win physical battles and regain possession for his team. Furthermore, his strong ball control allows him to confidently distribute the ball and initiate attacking moves from the backline.
At only 22 years old, Saliba’s potential for growth and development is immense. His performances this season have already demonstrated his ability to excel at the highest level. As he continues to gain experience and mature as a player, Saliba has the potential to become one of the top defenders in the Premier League.
Thomas Partey: The Midfield General
Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian midfield maestro, has quickly established himself as a vital component of Arsenal’s midfield since joining the club. With his commanding presence, exceptional skills, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Partey has become an indispensable asset for the team.
Partey’s ability to control the game from midfield is truly remarkable. With his astute positional awareness and intelligent decision-making, he effectively disrupts the opposition’s play, intercepting passes, and breaking up attacks. Partey’s presence in the middle of the park gives Arsenal a solid foundation to build their attacking moves upon.
One of Partey’s key strengths is his ability to distribute the ball with precision. Whether it’s a short, incisive pass or a long, pinpoint ball, Partey’s accuracy and vision allow him to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His passing accuracy, particularly in the opposition half, showcases his ability to contribute to Arsenal’s attacking play.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Partey is also a tenacious defender. His interceptions, tackles, and ability to win duels make him a formidable presence in midfield. Partey’s defensive work rate and ability to regain possession quickly provide a solid defensive shield for Arsenal’s backline.
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