Martin Odegaard’s impact on this Arsenal team has led to comparisons to Dennis Bergkamp.
The Dutchman won three Premier League titles when he was in north London and is considered one of the Gunners’ best foreign recruits. One of those was the 2003–04 Invincible season, and Odegaard is currently working to motivate the squad to achieve another championship.
Odegaard’s inventiveness has been essential to Arsenal’s success, and the team has suffered while he has been out. The Norwegian has also received praise for his ability to create opportunities for others, a skill that Bergkamp was renowned for.
When I played, I looked at Bergkamp and recalled Ray Parlour, who was a teammate of the Dutch forward. Although I wouldn’t say Odegaard is as excellent as Bergkamp he is extremely similar in that he will create opportunities and has a vision. I’m trying to emphasize that he’s a highly smart player who can go into small spaces.
Observe his eyesight as he inserts balls. He is aware of the source of the runs. I didn’t see that against Newcastle. I failed to see Arsenal’s midfield’s inventiveness. If he returns over the weekend, he can provide that to the team.
The North Londoners have felt Odegaard’s absence multiple times since he sustained an injury while playing for Norway. Out of the final nine points remaining, they have only gained one.
They lost to Newcastle, who won 1-0, in their most recent domestic match. Arsenal failed to create in the final third when Odegaard was absent once more. Their former teammate suggested Declan Rice should try to play a bigger role in the game if Odegaard isn’t playing.
“He has that creativity and the vision,” Parlour continued on talkSPORT. If you look at the midfield area, you’ll see people like [Thomas] Partey, Declan Rice when he’s playing, and [Mikel] Merino, who also enters the game.
“Don’t get me wrong, they’re all excellent players. When Partey performs, I hope to see Declan advance a bit further. Odegaard, on the other hand, is the type of player who takes the ball in close quarters. He creates chances when he spots a pass.
When Odegaard came off the bench in the closing minutes of Arsenal’s Champions League loss to Inter Milan in the middle of the week, the team welcomed him back. Now, when they go to Chelsea this weekend, the Norwegian might play a bigger part.
