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 — but that could soon change. This summer, Arsenal are being strongly linked with Eberechi Eze, the dazzling Crystal Palace playmaker whose £64 million release clause just expired. With Arsenal reportedly preparing a 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

2022–2023

Ødegaard took the spotlight with 0.43 NPG/90, beating Eze’s 0.31 as Arsenal chased the title.

2023–2024

Eze flipped the script. His 0.44 NPG/90 blew past Ødegaard’s 0.17, showing lethal edge and composure in the final third.

2024–2025

Once again, Eze came out on top — 0.24 NPG/90 compared to Ødegaard’s 0.08. Less talk, more impact.

The Bigger Picture

With Arsenal reportedly eyeing a move for 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.

For fans, analysts, and FPL managers tracking elite attacking midfielders in the Premier League, 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

2022–2023

Ødegaard takes this one. His 0.89 shots on target per 90 narrowly beat Eze’s 0.85, reflecting his precision and willingness to shoot in and around the box.

2023–2024

Total domination from Eze. His 1.45 was more than double Ødegaard’s 0.61, marking him out as one of the most active shooters in the league.

2024–2025

Eze stays on top again. A solid 0.94 shots on target per 90 overshadows Ødegaard’s 0.58, showing consistency and aggression in his offensive output.

The Takeaway

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%

2022–2023

This one goes to Eze, narrowly. His 35.7% edged Ødegaard’s 33.3%, showing a slight edge in execution in front of goal.

2023–2024

Eze dominates again. With an elite 40.2% shot accuracy, he left Ødegaard’s 28.0% trailing. Ruthless and efficient — Eze was a sniper that season.

2024–2025

Ødegaard pulls one back here. His 31.3% topped Eze’s 27.0%, showing a better eye for target in a more conservative attacking year.

The Final Say

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

2022–2023

Ødegaard wins this one — 0.20 vs 0.14. Not explosive, but more efficient in unlocking defences than Eze that year.

2023–2024

Again, it’s the Arsenal man. 0.29 assists per 90 compared to Eze’s 0.18.

2024–2025

A close call — but Ødegaard takes it again with 0.31 over Eze’s 0.28. Margins matter in elite football, and Ødegaard was also better in producing last season.

Consistency Wins

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

2022–2023

Ødegaard edges it with 2.19 vs 1.95. Not a huge gap, but enough to show who was knitting attacks more consistently.

2023–2024

A big win for Ødegaard. His 2.97 key passes per 90 blew past Eze’s 2.37 — a commanding season of creativity from Arsenal’s heartbeat.

2024–2025

Once again, Ødegaard takes it. 2.44 vs 2.02, proving he’s not just about goals and assists — he’s the engine behind Arsenal’s chance creation.

Elite-Level Vision

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

2022–2023

Ødegaard wins comfortably — 0.66 vs 0.38. He consistently found runners in behind, threading lines with confidence.

2023–2024

A dominant showing. Ødegaard averaged 1.14 through balls per 90, more than triple Eze’s 0.31. Pure midfield class.

2024–2025

No let-up from the Arsenal playmaker. 0.97 vs 0.38 — Ødegaard’s vision continues to shine in tight spaces and final-third transitions.

Creative Class Defined

It’s a full sweep. Ødegaard isn’t just creating chances — he’s carving open defences with elite-level precision. 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

2022–2023

Neck and neck, but Eze edges it 2.66 to 2.62 — a small gap, but still a win.

2023–2024

This season, Eze completely outshines Ødegaard — 4.69 crosses per 90 to the Norwegian’s 2.24. He was relentless down the channels.

2024–2025

Eze continues to deliver higher volume, clocking 3.89 against Ødegaard’s 3.33. Again, the Crystal Palace star leads the line in wide delivery.

Wing Threat and End Product

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.

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

2022–2023

Eze wins it 2.42 to 1.38, showing off his slalom ability and 1v1 threat.

2023–2024

An even bigger gulf — Eze delivers a staggering 3.02 per 90, while Ødegaard manages 1.08.

2024–2025

Another clean win. Eze hits 2.33, more than doubling Ødegaard’s 0.97.

Explosive, Elusive, and Direct

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%

2022–2023

Ødegaard takes it. His 80.3% pass accuracy edges past Eze’s 78.4%, setting the tempo in Arsenal’s high-possession style.

2023–2024

No contest here. Ødegaard hits a slick 84.3%, while Eze trails at 77.0%. The Norwegian’s ball retention and distribution stood out week after week.

2024–2025

Another clear win. Ødegaard posts 82.5%, comfortably ahead of Eze’s 74.2%. Safe on the ball, sharp in tight spaces — this is Ødegaard at his best.

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

2022–2023

Close, but Ødegaard edges Eze: 86.98 to 81.87.

2023–2024

Arsenal’s skipper opens the gap: 102.32 vs 91.88.

2024–2025

No contest. Ødegaard soars with a league-leading 146.01 yards per 90, while Eze sits at 82.77.

Command and Control

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 with 6.15, Ødegaard trails on 5.12.

2023–2024

Same story: Eze posts 5.91, Ødegaard logs 4.60.

2024–2025

Again, Eze comes out on top — 5.08 vs 3.75.

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. And if Arsenal are serious about winning the league, injecting real competition for the number 10 role might be the catalyst Ødegaard needs — just like Gabriel Martinelli now faces with Noni Madueke.

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.