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A timely øde to our magnificent captain.
He failed to convince the masses after an initial loan spell and was even labelled a “mistake” purchase by some upon his permanent return, but Martin Odegaard is now realising his world-class potential in the Arsenal midfield and can be justly considered among the best players in the Premier League.
The Norwegian maestro is central to the Gunners’ improbable title charge this season and has supplemented ever-present creativity with a clinical edge. Eight strikes and six assists in 18 league appearances mark his best numbers since a temporary stint at Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem in 2018/19 and prove his aptitude for the role of orchestrator in a devastating Arsenal attack.
Such proficiency only provides a glimpse of Odegaard’s astonishing offensive skillset as he uses impressive awareness to find gaps in the opposition backline and can fashion goal-scoring chances with a single deft touch. Meanwhile, his contributions in the recent North London derby indicate he is also partial to a long-range piledriver when given the opportunity.
Is Martin Odegaard currently the best player in the Premier League?
However, it is his all-round nature that makes Odegaard stand out from the Premier League crowd, and his commitment to the defensive cause forms an equally important part of Arsenal’s winning formula. The captain initiates our collective press from the front and works tirelessly to hound defenders in the final third, yet still manages to track back and often recovers possession deep in his own half.
Aside from obvious sporting merit, our number eight’s league-best contention is buttressed on a personal level as he boasts admirable character and shows extraordinary leadership when it matters most- positive qualities that were perhaps honed during his protracted rise to stardom.
Multiple loan spells in Spain and the Netherlands – as well as the company of Los Blancos stars – have contributed to the 24-year-old’s steely resilience and equipped him for the pressure of guiding a team to the domestic summit. Mikel Arteta commended this strong mentality earlier in the campaign as he praised Odegaard’s willingness to take the ball at “difficult moments” and tendency to step up at key junctures – with the August equaliser against Fulham just one example of his fortitude at a time of great adversity.
There is stiff competition for the honour of best player in the Premier League – both from within the Arsenal squad and a certain Sky Blue compatriot – and the team’s shared efforts deserve recognition for enabling our charge up the table. But Odegaard’s far-reaching influence is arguably the most telling ingredient and prompts consideration that he is in a league of his own.