Paul Merson asserted Odegaard is better than Bukayo Saka. Saka is largely considered the talisman and finest player for the North London team. Since his senior debut in 2019, he has consistently delivered performances. In 175 professional games for Arsenal, the English winger has 37 goals and 40 assists.
Merson, though, thinks that Odegaard is the Gunners’ finest player and that he sets an excellent example for the team. Through The Boot Room, he stated:
Although he is a quiet leader, he sets a good example. He is, in my opinion, Arsenal’s best player. He is their captain, but unlike some captains, he doesn’t run around yelling at the odds since he always accepts accountability on the pitch. He is well-liked by his teammates and brings in players when it is necessary.
Odegaard, 24, transferred from Real Madrid to the Gunners in January 2021 for a six-month loan. In the summer of that year, his position became permanent, and after Alexandre Lacazette left, he was promoted to captain.
In 101 games for the team, the Norwegian midfielder has contributed 15 assists and 23 goals.
Mikel Arteta discusses Arsenal’s evolution following the team’s goalless draw with Newcastle United:
In the Premier League in January, Arsenal and Newcastle United drew 0-0 at the Emirates. In the game, the Gunners enjoyed 67% of the possession and 17 shots on goal opposed to the Magpies’ 8 shots. They were unable to get past Newcastle’s defense, though. The match will now take place on Sunday, May 7, at St. James’ Park.
How his team has improved since their previous meeting in January was a question that manager Mikel Arteta was asked during the pre-game news conference.
Through Arsenal.com, he stated: “We’ll make an effort to play the game we want, but they’ll undoubtedly have other ideas. That was the struggle when we faced them at Emirates Stadium, and I believe we were deserving of the victory. Things will differ from the previous game, and we’ll need to improve if we want to stand a chance of winning.”
With a game remaining, Newcastle is now in third place, 13 points behind Arsenal in the Premier League standings.
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