29 Jul 2021 11:30:23
Unpopular opinion but I would rather have Martin Odegaard over James Maddison 100%.

22, great technical ability, excellent vision, doesn't stop running, versatile, very little injury history and half the cost!
He would also be better for us for rotation because he can play in the middle and off the right.

1.) 29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 13:12:30
I have my reservations Glenn. From what I seen, torturing myself watching every Arsenal game last season, he can be quite passive in tight games. I told myself it was potentially down to adjusting to a new team and league.
But one thing you cannot accuse Maddison of is not being able to recognise a pivotal moment in a game and grab it by the scruff of the neck.
This is what your paying for and it’s what is hard got these days as too many modern footballers are passive and happy to not impress their personalities or influence on games because they know managers will usually carry the cost of their inconsistency or indifference.
Maddison is ruthless in this regard. This is the type we used to have when our collective mindset was unmatched.
I can’t say I agree with the fee if we were to buy as I’d be terrified Leicester’s recruitment team would go buy 3 more of him with the money, but the attributes of the player Arteta is identifying here is bang on.

2.) 29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 13:22:40
Never.

3.) 29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 14:03:03
Yeah I do agree with you Shambo. Maddison is a very very good player and would be excellent in any team.

For me his price tag is far too high and comes with a very risky injury record. We do not need another player who only manages half a season due to injury. He's had 122 days out in the last 2 seasons alone.

Odegaard had 6 months and I think we can all appreciate that coming from spanish football to the prem, especially half way through the season is no easy feat. He showed glimpses of quality and I wouldn't be disappointed if we signed him permanently.

4.) 29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 15:13:14
If I’m honest I don’t rate either.
I’d take Pereira from West Brom over both Maddison and Odegaard for half the price no doubt too.

5.) 29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 16:43:06
Very good player jeg mate 👍🏻.

6.) 29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 18:10:26
Totally agree Jegooner.

7.) 29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 20:49:28
Only issue with Madderson is his disciplinary record. Been dropped numerous of times and his injury record is something we could do without. No doubting his ability but massive doubts about the guy he is.

{Ed014's Note - doesn’t work hard enough, more of a glory hunter, it’s a big no from me.

8.) 29 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 21:51:47
Madderson is another player who given his personality record to date would almost inevitably clash with Mikels man management style so would be a crazy signing.

9.) 30 Jul 2021
29 Jul 2021 21:54:56
I saw a post on twitter earlier about this debate and 60% of the votes out of 30k are swaying in MO's favour.