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Football London
Football London
Sport
Danny Bloomer

Key Martin Odegaard point made over Arsenal star as Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey overlooked

Former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs thinks Martin Odegaard is the club's stand-out performer this season.

The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League with the chance to move five points clear of second place Manchester City on Wednesday night when they host relegation-threatened Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta has gradually moulded the team into what he wants in his three years in charge so far, and as such, Arsenal's rise has not been down to just one key player.

Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have both proven to be crucial arrivals from City, while Thomas Partey is widely regarded as central to Arsenal's success. Bukayo Saka is arguably the most in-form young player in Europe and the central defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes is one of, if not the best, in the division.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta makes Everton rotation promise as Arsenal boss refuses to view Kieran Tierney exit

But in an interview with ESPN, Gibbs - who recently mutually terminated his contract with Inter Miami to instead take up a broadcast role with the club - opted for captain Odegaard as Arsenal's player of the season due to his level of 'consistency.'

He said: “If I had to pick anyone, then I would say Odegaard. I think he has just been instrumental. Everything just goes through him. The consistency of his level of performance has just been outstanding and he’s a top, top player. I think I would give it to him.”

Odegaard is well on course for his best individual season as an Arsenal player having scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 23 league matches. He has been a near ever-present in Arteta's starting XI, missing just one match due to injury back in September.

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