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Martin Odegaard once used to embellish matches. Now he controls them. Arsenal’s captain has become a very different force this season, and he underlined that fresh influence again with a Man of the Match display against Chelsea.

If the biggest reason is that Odegaard is no longer troubled by the injuries that caused him to miss 30 matches last season for Arsenal and Norway, there is also no doubt that the No. 8 now carries a far more determined mentality. He takes hold of matches far more often now.

At 27, Odegaard has fully matured into a heavyweight footballer. He reached the top of the table with Arsenal in May and now belongs at the top table alongside the world’s elite players.

For those who enjoy football’s historical echoes, there are shades here of Dennis Bergkamp’s flowering in 1998. Arsenal had only just edged through an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Middlesbrough in January. Bergkamp was already seated on the coach outside the Riverside when Tony Adams walked down the aisle. Arsenal’s outspoken captain fixed his gaze on this supreme technician, a player who beautified games but did not always stamp himself fully on them.

Adams confronted Bergkamp. “You’ve been two and a half years, Dennis,” he said. “Isn’t it time you won something? It would be a shame not to with your ability.” Properly stirred by that challenge, Bergkamp answered in style. He helped Arsenal win the Double, collected Footballer of the Year honours himself, and helped the Netherlands reach the World Cup semi-finals with that exquisite goal against Argentina in Marseille.

There was no comparable bolt-from-the-blue moment of revelation in Odegaard’s career, no defining dose of hard truth from a team-mate. Yet the shift has still been enormous. It is a transformation Odegaard has driven himself. Breaking free from the limiting effects of knee and shoulder injuries has certainly helped. But the main difference is mental. He has become tougher.

Odegaard is damaging opponents more now. When Ezri Konsa overpowered Morgan Rogers in a strong challenge, Odegaard reacted first to the loose ball. He is more decisive now, more forward-thinking. Instead of simply recycling possession, Odegaard went straight for the kill, setting in motion the move that ended with his perfectly timed run into the area and emphatic finish.

So far this season, Odegaard has now scored past Chelsea’s Emi Martinez and Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who between them hold the last three Yashin Trophies for the world’s best goalkeeper in Ballon d’Or voting. Odegaard has also found the net against Coventry City’s highly rated Carl Rushworth.

That goal against Martinez highlighted the understanding now developing in Arsenal’s attack. Their new left winger, Christos Tzolis, has rapidly picked up Odegaard’s movement and has already found him twice for goals. Odegaard also profits from Kai Havertz’s vision, especially in that dummy which ensured Tzolis’ cross reached him. The Norwegian’s relationship on the right with Bukayo Saka, and Ben White, is already long established.

Odegaard’s influence is now visible everywhere. He is taking greater risks with the ball. He is choosing the safe option less often. During one spell of especially strong control in the second half, he picked out Havertz, Saka and Martin Zubimendi in quick succession.

He is pressing with greater diligence as well, again aided by that improved fitness. He is stronger physically and mentally, brushing aside a foul from Reece James.

As Gary Neville noted during Sky Sports’ coverage, Odegaard still needs more goals and assists. He has 37 of each in 179 Premier League appearances. He was fairly criticised last season. Arsenal depended more on Declan Rice to propel them towards the title in May. Odegaard still made a contribution, registering six assists, but he scored only once in 24 matches. He has illuminated seasons before and produced impressive returns, most notably 15 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances in 2022/23. But he had never really pushed himself into Footballer of the Year contention. He must surely look at Bruno Fernandes, see the output he delivers, and recognise the standard required.

Captaining the champions has altered how many people view him. It must also have changed how he sees himself. No one can now argue that he is not elite. The summer helped as well. Odegaard’s displays against Ivory Coast and Brazil were immense, carrying Norway through difficult spells in those knockout matches before they lost to England.

There are still areas for improvement. He did not challenge Jorrel Hato strongly enough in the build-up to Rogers’ goal. But his transformation cannot be denied. Odegaard’s contract has two years left to run, and talk of an extension will now inevitably follow. On this form, he is worth it.