Don Hutchison explains why Arsenal star Odegaard is similar to Haaland
Don Hutchison has compared Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard to Manchester City duo Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
Martin Odegaard has made a fine start to the season for Arsenal. The Norwegian midfielder is becoming an increasingly important figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad, and has recently been rewarded with a new long-term contract.
Odegaard has already racked up four goals and one assist in all competitions so far this season. He is also vital to the Gunners in a tactical sense, as he is responsible for leading the Arsenal press and instructing his teammates on how to defend from the front.
The 24-year-old has developed into an elite player since his £30 million permanent arrival from Real Madrid in 2021. He is now being compared with some of the biggest stars in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne were key figures for Manchester City last season as Pep Guardiola’s side romped to an historic treble, beating Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Don Hutchison believes that Odegaard can have a similar impact to that Manchester City duo at Arsenal.
Speaking to Premier League Productions (01/10/23, 19:30), the former Premier League midfielder said, “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…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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Odegaard is yet to hit the heights that Haaland or de Bruyne have reached in the game, but he is absolutely the heartbeat of Arteta’s team, along with Bukayo Saka, who is also a talismanic figure.
If Arsenal can achieve their aims for this season, and get their hands on some major silverware, then Odegaard’s reputation will escalate even further. It is vital for the north London club that the 53-cap Norway international can stay fit and full of confidence throughout the duration of the campaign.
In Odegaard, Arsenal truly have a superstar of their own to get behind.
