Arsenal told they have ‘their own Haaland’ in Martin Odegaard

Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchinson believes that Arsenal have their very own Erling Haaland in the shape of Martin Odegaard. The playmaker has enjoyed a sensational start to the 2023/24 campaign, scoring three and assisting one in seven Premier League appearances.

Odegaard has been a key player for the Gunners since his arrival in 2021, being rewarded for his performances last summer when naming him club captain. The Norwegian international has been one of Mikel Arteta’s most reliable stars at both ends of the pitch, and his performances have drawn him comparisons with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.

Hutchinson is among those to have heaped the praise on the ex-Real Madrid star recently, telling Premier League Productions: “Amazing player. He reminds me of Kevin De Bruyne in how influential he is on the pitch and how good he is on the ball.

“He never really panics. Always seems to make the right decisions. He gets in good areas. I think he is the one, when you talk about Erling Haaland, De Bruyne or Rodri, who make Man City tick, then I think Bukayo Saka, and even more so, this man, Odegaard, he is the top man.”

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Given that he does not fit the common profile of a captain due to his role as a creative midfielder and not having the wealth of experience that some may expect, Odegaard has often led by example and allowed his performances to justify why he was trusted with the armband by Arteta.

Hutchinson continued: “He’s not particularly vocal, but he does it by his actions. When they are losing games. He then says ‘give me the ball. I still want it. I will still take it in tight areas’ – 24 and to be captain of Arsenal. What a position to be in. Unbelievable player.”

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Odegaard showed his class over the weekend during the Gunners’ 4-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. After Saka’s first-half opener, the midfielder doubled his side’s lead from the penalty spot on the cusp of half-time to give the north London outfit a comfortable lead at the interval.

Arsenal were then awarded another penalty in the 53rd minute, and Odegaard quickly spoke with some of his teammates – including Gabriel Jesus – to allow Kai Havertz to take the spot kick and consequently open his account for the club. The German international has come under immense pressure since leaving Chelsea for the Gunners due to his lacklustre performances, and his teammates will be hoping that his goal will provide him with the confidence boost required to get his career back on track at the Emirates Stadium.

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