Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is poised to reach a major milestone this weekend, as he prepares to make his 200th appearance for the club in the Premier League clash with Leeds United. Since arriving in 2021, first on loan from Real Madrid and then on a permanent deal, Odegaard has grown into a central figure for Mikel Arteta’s project, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Odegaard arrived on loan before securing a permanent move later in 2021 and soon cemented himself as a core component of Arteta’s rebuild. His influence, leadership and consistency helped him win the captaincy, a role he has continued to fill after teammates voted for him to stay skipper at the start of this season.
Durability and leadership have defined his trajectory. While injuries have surfaced, notably a setback last season, Odegaard has generally been a reliable presence for Arsenal, contributing to a period of steady progress and competitive performance at the highest level.
Statistically, Odegaard has already made more appearances for Arsenal than any other player since his first game in January 2021, with 199 to date. Bukayo Saka trails closely on 197, while Gabriel Magalhães has 195 and Gabriel Martinelli 194; Ben White has 161. In terms of minutes, Odegaard has logged 15,370, with only Gabriel (16,714) ahead of him in that metric. These figures underscore his central role in midfield, where he provides both structure and creativity to Arsenal’s buildup and attacking play.
Beyond the numbers, Odegaard’s leadership has been a defining feature of Arsenal’s progress. His captaincy reflects the trust placed in him by teammates and his continued influence in training standards and matchday performance. As he nears the 200th appearance, the milestone not only recognises his longevity but also his ongoing importance to Arteta’s plans and Arsenal’s push across domestic and European competitions.
What it means for the squad: Odegaard’s milestone embodies the balance Arsenal have sought between experienced leadership and emerging talent. His presence in midfield helps stabilize games, drive tempo and support younger teammates as they gain more exposure in big-match environments.
Summary: Reaching 200 appearances would cap a period in which Odegaard has evolved from a high-potential loan signing to Arsenal’s midfield heartbeat and a trusted captain, reinforcing his status as one of the club’s defining figures of the era and a positive sign for the team’s ambitions this season.