Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard is currently the best midfielder in the Premier League, according to player turned pundit Jamie Redknapp. Odegaard has been at the end of high praises all season long, after leading the Gunners’ charge as the captain as well as arguably their best player on the pitch. The 24-year-old is leading a revitalised Arsenal team that is vying for their first Premier League title since 2004
On March 12, the Norway international secured a 3-0 victory over Fulham by scoring his side’s third goal with a proficient left-footed finish just before halftime. In 26 league games this season, he has now scored ten goals and provided seven assists. His 17 goal contributions (along with Kevin de Bruyne) are only bettered by Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney. As a result, Redknapp asserts that Odegaard is currently the best midfielder in the Premier League.
Redknapp rates the Arsenal midfielder above Manchester City’s De Bruyne
Martin Odegaard is the only midfielder (alongside De Bruyne) in the list of the top-five players with highest goal involvements in the Premier League this season. Even Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne, who racked up 23 goals contributions last season by scoring 15 goals and providing 8 assists, is tied for the honors with Odegaard this season since the Belgian has also amassed 17 goals involvements so far (4 goals and 13 assists).
However, the City wizard has dropped his standards a bit this season, despite having the prolific Haaland in front of him. Even City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted to the Belgium international’s dip in form this season. On the other hand, Odegaard has driven Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, where they currently lead City by five points after 27 games. It’s impressive that the Gunners have achieved the feat this after finishing fifth last season.
Odegaard was once again at the heart of Arsenal’s 3-0 win on the road against Fulham, taking the north Londoners a step closer to the title. Alongside a sublime goal, Odegaard created 2 chances, completed 2 dribbles and won a stunning 5 duels. Speaking highly of his display after the game, Redknapp said:
“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. 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.”
After another stunning performance, and leading Arsenal to their 21st victory in 27 league outings, Odegaard is also making his case strong as a candidate for the PFA Player of the Year. A title win for the Gunners would almost certainly bring the award home for the Gunners’ skipper. However, his fellow international teammate Erling Haaland too has already made his chances of taking home the individual award strong, by netting a staggering 28 goals and providing 5 assists in 26 league games.