Martin Odegaard has realized his potential ever since he moved to Arsenal from Madrid. His career has taken a new turn and his consistent performances have helped the Gunners maintain their place in the Premier League summit.
The Norweigian scored the third goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham, taking his tally to 10 goals and seven assists in 26 league appearances this season. Being the captain of the Arsenal team, one can easily say that Odegaard is leading from the front.
Recently former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder turned football pundit, Jamie Redknapp feels that the Norweigian is the best midfielder in the Premier League right now.
“Right now he’s number one. Normally you would say De Bruyne is the best midfielder not just in the league but in the world, but something isn’t quite right. Odegaard does this thing, all great players possess it, it’s like time stands still when he has the ball,” Redknapp said after Arsenal’s 3-0 win.
Redknapp lauded Odegaard’s calmness and his ability to score with either foot. The former midfielder is also impressed with his captaincy skills and feels that he is someone who leads Arsenal from the front. “The calmness he possesses. He’s scored four or five goals like that with his left foot. He’s the captain, he’s the leader. I think he’s number one and he’s leading that team,” he added.
While Redknapp’s opinion is pretty strong as Odegaard has been sensational this season, Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne has also not let his standards down. The Belgian has also mustered 13 assists and has been pivotal to City’s success this season.
But then the argument lies around Odegaard being the leader and the main man for the Gunners and especially now when they are at the top of the Premier League. After 27 games, Arsenal have a five point lead over reigning champions and second placed City. He has received a lot of applause as Arsenal were fifth last season and to spring up such performances in the following season deserves acknowledgement.
Odegaard is finally showing the world why he was rated so highly as a teenager when he joined Real Madrid from Stromsgodset in January 2015. The Norway international will look to continue this form in the upcoming matches and hopefully win the Premier League for Arsenal and their faithful.
