Odegaard is 'killing' him — Paul Scholes blames Arsenal captain for struggling striker

Odegaard, who recently marked five years at the North London club since his transfer from Real Madrid, has been a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta's project.

However, Scholes believes the 27-year-old's influence is fading, a concern amplified by a string of injuries and a noticeable drop in his offensive output.

With only one goal this season, Odegaard's position in the starting lineup is coming under scrutiny, particularly with summer signing Eberechi Eze eager for more opportunities.

Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes identified the Norwegian as a potential source of Arsenal's struggles to score from open play.

"Odegaard could be the problem," he stated. "Odegaard wants to play as a No.10 and if you’re not playing good football it’s his job to make your team play good football. Good attacking football. I don’t think he does it."

Scholes elaborated on his criticism, explaining that Odegaard drops too deep instead of operating in areas where he can influence the game.

"I like him, technically he’s brilliant and good to watch. But he drops into midfield," Scholes said. "I played No.10, if they come into the midfield area... he’d say ‘f* off’ get up there. He doesn’t do it enough in those areas where it wins games."

The former England international also argued that Odegaard's style has failed to create a partnership with summer acquisition Viktor Gyokeres, who has been left isolated after his prolific spell at Sporting Lisbon.

"You think about the teams we’ve watched win the league like Liverpool and Man City, exciting to watch," Scholes added.

"They’re exciting because of people like David Silva, Phil Foden receiving the ball on the edge of the box where it’s important. It also kills the centre forward; he’s got nobody to play with."