Martin Odegaard is more than just Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil

Martin Odegaard Has Replaced Aaron Ramsey’s Engine

There are reasons aplenty why Odegaard is being touted for the captaincy. It’s not just his distinction on the ball that lifts you up off your seat, it’s how he conducts himself.

Prior to his eventual departure, Mikel Arteta lauded Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for what he ‘transmitted’ on the pitch. His commitment off the ball inspired others to follow suit, pressing and probing and maintaining a level of engagement in matches that ensured focus remained throughout. Behind him all of the way was Odegaard.

Aaron Ramsey has long since bid farewell to Arsenal but his legacy remains in tact. There is a love and admiration for the Welshman that has yet to dissipate, much of which stemmed from his unreal work rate out of possession. He never tired or, at least, never cut the figure of a man who looked like he was on his last legs, because he ran until this boots dug two feet into the ground.

Odegaard is no different. He communicates with the fans and his teammates without needing to open his mouth. He does that too, but it’s the way he triggers a response from everyone around him with undying dedication to hustle and bustle his way around the pitch from the first minute to the last.

The 23-year-old covered 12.02 kilometres against Wolves. The most of any Arsenal player all season. While as onlookers it was evident in how involved he was in every phase of play, it wasn’t noticeable in his demeanour until the collapsed to the floor at full-time. Making 50m sprints in stoppage time it was as if he’d just started playing.

Echoes of Ramsey follow in his footsteps. We haven’t seen that midfield stamina and engine at the Emirates since him.

There was a time, little over six months ago, where only one team threw their hat into the £30m ring. All summer the eyes were on one Martin Odegaard, but as far as we know, they were only Arsenal eyes.

You can’t even begin to wonder how or why. He is an exquisite footballer.