Arsene Wenger has compared Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard to former Gunners star Cesc Fabregas after the Norwegian's impressive form for Mikel Arteta's side this season.
Odegaard has scored six goals in 14 Premier League games and provided another four assists to help steer the north Londoners to the top of the table. The 24-year-old plays a pivotal role in Arteta's 4-2-3-1 system, sitting in front of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey in a more advanced role.
After joining Real Madrid at such a young age and spending various seasons on loan, Odegaard has now found a home and has established himself as one of the Premier League's best attacking midfielders since re-joining the club on a permanent basis in 2021.
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In Arsenal's 3-1 Boxing Day win over West Ham United, Odegaard's performance was met with rave reviews from plenty in the football world as he provided assists for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. One man who was left impressed with the playmaker's performance was Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium for the first time since his 2018 exit and was treated to a five-star display from his former side. Following the win, Wenger has revealed his attempts at signing Odegaard prior to his switch to Real Madrid when he was 15 and has likened him to former Gunners captain Fabregas.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2, Wenger said: "That was hard [when I didn't sign him]. When he was 15, I talked to him. I actually spoke to Martin about it after the game now on Boxing Day.
"I was desperate to sign him. Fortunately, he is here now. He really is like a young Cesc Fabregas. I think he has developed into a complete player."
Wenger has admitted that Odegaard's qualities on display for Arteta's side now were present nine years ago. "He is a very calm player who analyses the game well. He has his feet firmly planted on the ground. I don't really want to say exactly what I talked to Martin about," added Arteta.
"I am super impressed. He really is a down-to-earth and nice boy. The way he analyses the game. He also did that as a 15-year-old... The sharpness! I am really impressed. He will do well. He makes decisions quickly, and always optimally. It is remarkable! I like him and the way he makes football look so easy.
"He has developed very well. It's really amazing. His decisions, he is also a leader in the team. You see that Norway is now getting more top-class players, and I hope they can do well internationally in the years to come."
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