Rio Ferdinand praises Martin Odegaard for Arsenal, highlighting him as a player who brings more than just football skills to the team, as they compete for both domestic and European titles.

TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand has praised Martin Odegaard’s influence at Arsenal, emphasizing that it extends beyond his performances on the pitch. Odegaard, who joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in 2021, has quickly become a key figure in their attack. Despite a dip in form earlier in the season, he has returned to his best in recent games, providing crucial moments and creating chances for his team.

Ferdinand believes that Odegaard is the player Arsenal turns to when they need a moment of magic or a spark. He describes the midfielder as a “locksmith” who can unlock defences and see the game clearer than anyone else. Odegaard’s impact goes beyond his goal contributions, as he dictates the rhythm of the game and makes the team look different when he is in the right vibe.

At just 22 years old, Odegaard has already been made captain of both Arsenal and the Norwegian national team. Ferdinand sees this as a testament to his leadership qualities and suggests that the manager sees something more in him than just a footballer.

Odegaard’s journey to Arsenal has not been straightforward. Once considered a young prodigy when he joined Real Madrid at 16, he failed to make a significant impact in the Spanish capital. After several loan spells in Spain, Odegaard made the switch to the Premier League, where he has proven his doubters wrong. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown praised Odegaard for his incredible form and highlighted his strong partnership with Bukayo Saka.

Keown also acknowledged the credit due to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for transforming Odegaard into a completely different player. Despite only playing 11 games for Real Madrid in six years, Odegaard has shown that he was always a fantastic talent.