ARSENAL have replaced Joe Willock with Martin Odegaard and upgraded their midfield in the process – or have they?
The Gunners flogged Willock, 21, to Newcastle for £25million and are set to sign Odegaard, 22, from Real Madrid for £34m.
Fans are split over whether Norwegian ace Odegaard offers more than Willock.
And Gunners legend Paul Merson has hit out at his old club for letting academy product Willock go.
SunSport have unearthed stats from last season to explore whether Gooners should expect their team to be stronger with Odegaard instead of Willock in 21-22.
Willock played 21 Premier League games to Odegaard’s 14.
The Englishman scored eight goals while Odegaard managed just one.
Norwegian Odegaard trumped Willock on assists but only by two to zero.
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Willock had a far better shot conversion rate of 34.8 per cent to Odegaard’s 6.7.
But whereas Willock appears to be more of a direct goal threat, Odegaard’s strength lies in chance creation – 20 to Willock’s 10.
He was also a passing machine – recording 496 with a completion percentage of 90.9.
That was considerably better than Willock’s who made just 314 passes at a much worse accuracy rate of 77.4 per cent.
Odegaard was also champion dribbler with a 76.5 per cent of them being successful while Willock only managed to complete half of those he attempted.
Although it appears the players both have different strengths, Merson, 53, would rather Arsenal had held on to academy product Willock.
He said: “Why would you let Willock go?
“I’m not saying he’s the answer, but he’s come through the club and is going for £25m. That sort of money isn’t going to change Arsenal.
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“It’s not like a Harry Kane or Jack Grealish sale where you get £100m and can rebuild the team.
“But Arsenal are prepared to pay Willian big money. Where is the future in that? It’s quick fixes.
“Surely Willock is a future player and for the present, and can be involved in the plan. My question to Edu would be: ‘What’s the plan?'”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
