Pundit salutes ‘the special player’ at Arsenal after ‘perfect’ Odegaard reveal
Martin Odegaard has “stepped up” to become a “special player” at Arsenal, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old had been an “unsung hero” at the Emirates Stadium this term.
Odegaard continued his blistering December form with a haul of two assists as Arsenal defeated Norwich 5-0 at Carrow Road yesterday (26 December).
Speaking post-match, Mikel Arteta insisted the midfielder is playing “fantastically well” at present – adding that he is “very happy” with his displays.
Whelan suggested the 37-time Norway international is well on his way to becoming that “perfect number ten”.
“He was the unsung hero for a while at Arsenal,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But now Odegaard’s overall play is really being highlighted, and for good reason. It’s not just goals he’s getting, it’s assists, energy, vision – and he’s becoming that perfect number ten.
“He’s got the intelligence to find those little passes which can really hurt teams. He’s stepped up to be the special player, as a number ten should be.”
The midfielder made 20 appearances for the Gunners after joining on loan during the second half of last season.
Mikel Arteta’s side then made the move permanent during the summer window for a reported initial fee of £30million.
Odegaard has netted three goals and registered three assists this month, taking his goal contribution tally to eight for this term.
Arsenal sit fourth in the Premier League following their recent form.
The Gunners have won each of their last five games, scoring 19 goals in the process.
In other news, Campbell is ‘buzzing’ for one Arsenal player after an ‘incredible’ training ground reveal.