Over the past three seasons, Martin Ødegaard has firmly established himself as the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield and a key figure under Mikel Arteta’s tactical system. The former Real Madrid playmaker has not only thrived as a creative number 10, but also taken up the mantle of club captain, becoming one of the best off-ball pressers in the Premier League thanks to his tireless engine, availability, and rare injury record.

However, despite his consistency, Ødegaard has enjoyed little direct competition for his role. Fabio Vieira’s struggles and eventual loan move have left the Norwegian largely unchallenged. This summer, Fabio may leave Arsenal again, with Stuttgart said to be interested in signing him according to David Ornstein.

According to Sky Sports, Eberechi Eze has played in the number 10 role or the attacking midfield position most times for Crystal Palace and is expected to play the same position for Arsenal, having joined the Gunners ahead of the 2025-2026 season and after being allocated the number 10 jersey.

He can certainly provide serious competition for Arsenal’s skipper Martin Odegaard. But this article shows why Eberechi Eze is a better number 10 that Martin Odegaard, based on their latest seasons in the EPL.

This summer, Arsenal have signed Eberechi Eze, the dazzling former Crystal Palace playmaker who was signed for a reported fee of 67.5 million pounds, making him Arsenal’s second most expensive signing after Declan Rice.

With this move, the question arises: Is Eze actually better than Ødegaard? Could he replace or even surpass him in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield?

This article offers a detailed statistical breakdown of Eberechi Eze vs Martin Ødegaard, comparing their Premier League performances across the last three seasons.

The numbers don’t lie: Eberechi Eze may not only match Ødegaard, but in many areas, he’s outperformed him. And with Arteta emphasizing the need for two world-class players in every position, it might be time for the Arsenal skipper to feel the kind of pressure that could finally tip the title race in the Gunners’ favor.

Non-Penalty Goals per 90 – Eze vs Ødegaard: Arsenal’s Potential Upgrade?

Non-penalty goals per 90 is the real test of a player’s scoring power from open play. It cuts out penalties and factors in minutes played — giving us a clean look at who steps up when it matters. In the Premier League, few attacking midfielders shine brighter than Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze. But over the past three seasons, the stats don’t lie — Eze is edging it.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	0.08	0.24
2023–2024	0.17	0.44
2022–2023	0.43	0.31

In 2022–2023, Ødegaard was the man—0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 as Arsenal pushed for the title, leaving Eze trailing at 0.31.

But then things shifted. Fast forward to 2023–2024, and Eze flipped the script with a sharp 0.44, while Ødegaard dipped to just 0.17. The gap widened again in 2024–2025: Eze kept delivering at 0.24, Ødegaard dropped to 0.08. No hype—just output.

With Arsenal having signed Eberechi Eze, these numbers hit even harder. Eze hasn’t just matched Ødegaard — he’s outperformed him in two of the last three seasons in a key attacking stat. If this transfer goes through, it’s not just depth Arsenal are adding — it could be a direct upgrade.

Eze’s consistent open-play scoring power makes him the one to watch — even at Ødegaard’s expense.

Conversion Rate %: Who Finishes Better? A Marginal Tilt to Eze

“Conversion rate” shows how efficient a player is at turning shots into goals — and over the last three seasons, it’s a very tight contest.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	10.00%	13.11%
2023–2024	17.02%	20.00%
2022–2023	25.00%	19.23%

Ødegaard had a clinical peak in 2022–2023 with 25%, but his numbers have dropped sharply to just 10% in 2024–2025. Eze, meanwhile, has improved over time, reaching 13.11% this season, and outperforming Ødegaard in both of the last two campaigns.

So while Ødegaard had the best single-season figure, Eze wins two out of three years, showing better consistency as a finisher lately.

Shots on Target per 90 – Eze or Ødegaard? Who’s Getting into Better Positions?

Shots on target per 90 gives us a direct read on how often a player tests the keeper — and how frequently they’re in threatening positions. For attacking midfielders like Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze, it’s a telling stat of intent and effectiveness in the final third.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	0.58	0.94
2023–2024	0.61	1.45
2022–2023	0.89	0.85

In 2022–2023, Ødegaard edged it—0.89 shots on target per 90 to Eze’s 0.85. Tight, but his precision told. Then Eze exploded. In 2023–2024, he more than doubled Ødegaard with 1.45 to 0.61. Total dominance. And in 2024–2025? Same story. Eze stayed sharp with 0.94, while Ødegaard lagged at 0.58. One’s evolving, the other’s fading.

Ødegaard edged the first season, but Eze wins this battle 2–1 — and by serious margins. In terms of Premier League shot accuracy, chance conversion, and consistent pressure on goalkeepers, Eze is operating on a different level over the last two campaigns.

Shot Accuracy – Who’s Hitting the Target Cleaner?

Shot accuracy percentage reveals how sharp a player is with their attempts — it’s about quality, not just quantity. For attacking midfielders like Ødegaard and Eze, it speaks to composure, technique, and decision-making under pressure.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	31.3%	27.0%
2023–2024	28.0%	40.2%
2022–2023	33.3%	35.7%

Eze took it in 2022–2023—just. His 35.7% shot accuracy edged Ødegaard’s 33.3%. Close, but telling. In 2023–2024, Eze stepped it up with a lethal 40.2%, miles ahead of Ødegaard’s 28.0%. Cold, clinical, dominant. But in 2024–2025, Ødegaard hit back. His 31.3% beat Eze’s 27.0%, showing sharper focus in a quieter attacking role.

Two seasons out of three, Eze is more accurate with his shooting. Ødegaard shows quality in bursts, but Eze’s clinical finishing in 2023/24 was on another level. Over the stretch, Eze wins this metric too.

Assists per 90 – Ødegaard’s Creative Output Edges It

When it comes to assists per 90 minutes, we get a direct measure of how often a player is delivering the final ball. For two creative hubs like Ødegaard and Eze, this stat tells us who’s been more effective at turning possession into goals.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	0.31	0.28
2023–2024	0.29	0.18
2022–2023	0.20	0.14

Ødegaard edged it in 2022–2023 — 0.20 to Eze’s 0.14. Not flashy, just more effective. He doubled down in 2023–2024 with 0.29, leaving Eze at 0.18. And in 2024–2025, it was tight, but Ødegaard still came out on top: 0.31 to 0.28. Margins matter — and Ødegaard delivered.

Three seasons. Three wins. Ødegaard is simply more reliable when it comes to creating chances that lead to goals. While Eze flashes brilliance, Ødegaard brings steady, elite-level playmaking that drives results.

Key Passes per 90 – Ødegaard Pulling the Strings

Key passes per 90 reveals how often a player creates a chance that leads directly to a shot. It’s a gold-standard stat for evaluating creative midfielders, and this is where Martin Ødegaard thrives.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	2.44	2.02
2023–2024	2.97	2.37
2022–2023	2.19	1.95

Ødegaard took the edge in 2022–2023 — 2.19 key passes to Eze’s 1.95. Subtle but clear. In 2023–2024, he ran riot with 2.97, comfortably ahead of Eze’s 2.37. And in 2024–2025, same story: 2.44 to 2.02. Always pulling strings, always creating — Ødegaard owned this battle.

Across all three seasons, Ødegaard leads in key passes. While Eze creates moments of brilliance, Ødegaard produces constant, high-quality service. In terms of Premier League playmaking stats, this one’s not even close.

Through Balls per 90 – Ødegaard’s Signature Weapon

Through balls per 90 is the clearest measure of a player’s ability to split defences and play that killer pass. It’s a stat reserved for top-tier vision and technique — and here, Martin Ødegaard is on another level.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	0.97	0.38
2023–2024	1.14	0.31
2022–2023	0.66	0.38

Ødegaard ran the show in 2022–2023 with 0.66 through balls per 90, nearly doubling Eze’s 0.38. In 2023–2024, it was a masterclass — 1.14 to just 0.31. And 2024–2025? Same dominance. Ødegaard at 0.97, Eze stuck at 0.38. Different levels when it comes to vision and execution.

In the world of Premier League through balls, Ødegaard is firmly among the elite. Eze simply can’t match his consistency or imagination in this area.

Crosses per 90 – Eze in Full Flow Out Wide

Crosses per 90 is a strong indicator of width, attacking variation, and a player’s involvement in direct chance creation — especially from wide or half-spaces. And in this metric, Eberechi Eze takes the spotlight.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	3.33	3.89
2023–2024	2.24	4.69
2022–2023	2.62	2.66

In 2022–2023, it was tight, but Eze edged it — 2.66 to Ødegaard’s 2.62. Then he exploded in 2023–2024 with 4.69 crosses per 90, more than doubling Ødegaard’s 2.24. And in 2024–2025, Eze stayed ahead with 3.89 to 3.33. Different styles, but Eze owned the flanks.

While Ødegaard operates more centrally, Eze’s wider tendencies and attacking license make him a serious outlet from the flanks. Across all three seasons, Eze comes out on top in pure cross volume — showing greater influence from wide areas and second-phase build-up.

It can also indicate that Eze can play on the wings, if need be, better than Odegaard can. Mikel Arteta has emphasized on the need to recruit players who can play in different positions in the team.

Successful Take-Ons: Eze Makes His Case

Successful take-ons per 90 is the clearest reflection of dribbling quality and individual ball progression — and in this regard, Eberechi Eze is in a league of his own.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	0.97	2.33
2023–2024	1.08	3.02
2022–2023	1.38	2.42

Eze ran riot in 2022–2023 with 2.42 successful take-ons per 90, leaving Ødegaard at 1.38. The gap only widened in 2023–2024 — Eze hit 3.02, Ødegaard just 1.08. And in 2024–2025, same story: 2.33 to 0.97. Eze’s 1v1 game is on another level.

Eze’s take-on numbers speak volumes about his explosiveness. Whether he’s carrying from deep or beating a man in the final third, he’s clearly the more dynamic dribbler. Ødegaard’s strength lies in control and distribution — not ball-carrying aggression.

Pass Accuracy – Ødegaard’s Masterclass in Control

Pass accuracy percentage shows who keeps the ball moving with precision. And in this area, Martin Ødegaard runs the show.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	82.5%	74.2%
2023–2024	84.3%	77.0%
2022–2023	80.3%	78.4%

Ødegaard edged it in 2022–2023 with 80.3% pass accuracy to Eze’s 78.4%. In 2023–2024, he took full control — 84.3% against 77.0%. And in 2024–2025, it was more of the same: 82.5% vs 74.2%. Calm, clean, and consistent — Ødegaard’s passing was a class above.

No debate here. It’s a clean sweep for Ødegaard — three seasons, three wins. Some will argue that Ødegaard’s numbers are boosted by operating in a more structured and dominant Arsenal system compared to Eze’s environment at Palace. But when it comes to Premier League passing efficiency, build-up quality, and playmaking consistency, the Arsenal captain seems to be a level above.

Progressive Carrying Distance per 90

Progressive carrying distance per 90 reflects how far a player advances the ball towards goal by carrying it and controlling it with his feet. It’s about intent, ball control territory, and tempo — and in this department, Martin Ødegaard owns the runway.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	146.01	82.77
2023–2024	102.32	91.88
2022–2023	86.98	81.87

In 2022–2023, it was close — Ødegaard just ahead with 86.98 progressive carry yards to Eze’s 81.87. But by 2023–2024, the gap widened: 102.32 to 91.88. Then came 2024–2025 — Ødegaard took off, hitting a massive 146.01 while Eze dropped to 82.77. Total control in forward momentum.

Eze may be the flashier dribbler, but Ødegaard carries with purpose. He’s constantly moving Arsenal forward between the lines — not just beating players, but eating up ground.

Ball recoveries per 90 minutes: Eze’s Defensive Grit Shines Brighter

Ball recoveries per 90 minutes showcase a player’s ability to win the ball back — key for transitions, pressing phases, and defensive resilience in midfield. And in this battle? Eberechi Eze pulls rank.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	3.75	5.08
2023–2024	4.60	5.91
2022–2023	5.12	6.15

In 2022–2023, Eze led the charge with 6.15 ball recoveries per 90, ahead of Ødegaard’s 5.12. He repeated the feat in 2023–2024 — 5.91 to 4.60. And in 2024–2025, Eze stayed on top again: 5.08 vs Ødegaard’s 3.75. More alert, more active — Eze’s defensive work quietly stands out.

Whether pressing from the front or recovering in deeper zones, Eze wins the ball more often and more consistently, despite playing in a less dominant side. His numbers here aren’t just tidy — they’re top-tier for an attacking midfielder.

Aerials Won per 90: Eze Generally Dominates in the Air

Aerial duels aren’t usually headline stats for creative midfielders, but they still speak to physical presence and second-ball battles.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	0.31	0.24
2023–2024	0.09	0.53
2022–2023	0.37	0.65

In 2024–2025, Ødegaard edges it narrowly (0.31 vs 0.24). But in both 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, Eze outmuscles the Arsenal captain, posting clearly stronger aerial numbers (0.65 and 0.53) compared to Ødegaard’s 0.37 and 0.09.

Despite giving away 2024–2025, Eze wins this category 2–1 and shows he’s no passenger when it gets physical.

Challenges lost per 90: Defensive Duels: Eze Stays on His Feet

“Challenges lost per 90” tells us who’s diving into duels without success — and in this case, Ødegaard comes off worse every season.

Season	Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)	Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
2024–2025	0.81	0.66
2023–2024	1.19	0.70
2022–2023	0.95	0.68

Across all three years, the Arsenal man posts higher numbers, peaking at 1.19 in 2023–2024, while Eze stays cleaner and sharper defensively with consistent low figures around 0.66–0.70.

This stat flips the spotlight on Ødegaard’s tendency to get beaten or mistimed when defending 1v1 situations — a gap Eze simply doesn’t have.

🔴 Conclusion: Who Is the Better Player?

After comparing 14 detailed performance metrics across three seasons, Eberechi Eze comes out on top in 11 of them — beating Martin Ødegaard in areas like conversion rate, take-ons, ball recoveries, crosses, and chance creation, while closely competing in assists and key passes.

That said, Ødegaard still shines as one of the most complete midfielders in the league. His leadership, durability, pressing intensity, and consistent performances for a title-challenging side can’t be ignored. But based on pure statistical output, Eze offers more explosiveness, direct threat, and attacking unpredictability, particularly in 1v1 situations and vertical progression — traits Arsenal’s midfield could use more of.

While they could certainly co-exist in the same XI, the idea that Eze could replace Ødegaard is not far-fetched. In fact, Eberechi Eze is statistically the better all-round performer over the last three Premier League campaigns.

With Eze’s prime years ahead and Arteta demanding world-class depth, the England international may be exactly the kind of signing that takes Arsenal’s midfield — and title hopes — to the next level.