'Blessed' Henry student is Arsenal's wildcard Odegaard replacement

Tom Weber

Updated: 23 Sept 2024 18:45 BST
4 min read

Thierry Henry, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Enzo Millot is in the form of his life.

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The Frenchman put in a Man of the Match performance against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday as Stuttgart completely dominated the Champions League finalists.

The Swabians ran out thoroughly deserved 5-1 victors and Millot was unplayable on the day, illustrating all of his talent. The 22-year-old bamboozled Dortmund's players with his dribbling and close control of the ball on more than one occasion.

Millot notched a goal and two assists to take his tally for the season to three goals and two assists in six appearances across all competitions. Coach Sebastian Hoeness has managed to get the very best out of the central midfielder and he already enjoyed a brilliant campaign last term.

After the Dortmund game, Hoeness waxed lyrical about the youngster: "The boy is blessed with exceptional qualities, really unbelievable. He often flies a little under the radar, but against Dortmund, he deserved to be on the big stage. That was outstanding, a different level. He set a standard that he is welcome to repeat."

Arsenal's wildcard Odegaard replacement?

What makes Millot so interesting is that he is not afraid to do the dirty work despite his outstanding technical ability and creativity. A central midfielder by trade, the Frenchman can fill pretty much every role in the centre of the park, offensively and defensively, while also being capable of playing out wide.

Former Stuttgart and Real Madrid star Sami Khedira said during the Dortmund game that Millot is a player who can do special things in an environment where he is given trust and a degree of freedom, which is exactly what he enjoys at his current club.

Millot recently committed his future to Stuttgart but high-profile interest won't be long in coming given his performances over the past 12 months.

Indeed, according to data analytics firm SciSports, there is an argument to be made that Arsenal should be keeping an eye on the midfielder. SciSports give Millot a decent 'Club Fit' rating of 70, putting the Gunners among his best-suited sides.

Given the current injury to captain Martin Odegaard and his uncertain return timeline, Arsenal would be well-advised to sound out the market for potential cover for the Norwegian superstar.

Mikel Merino was signed in the summer, but he is not the kind of creative force that Odegaard and Millot are. While the latter would not be a guaranteed starter straight away when the captain is fit, he would provide valuable cover and tactical flexibility due to his versatility.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry may even be able to put in a good word for Millot. The 22-year-old featured prominently for France's Olympic team and scored in the final loss to Spain in the summer.