Martin Odegaard likened to Premier League legend after latest virtuoso Arsenal performance
Micah Richards praised Martin Odegaard and drew a comparison between the Arsenal captain and Premier League legend David Silva.
Odegaard has led the Gunners to the top of the league table, with a five-point lead over their closest competitors, Manchester City.
He played a crucial role in Arsenal’s comeback from a two-goal deficit to defeat Bournemouth on Saturday and has delivered several impressive performances this season, including scoring in the recent victory over Everton.
Richards has even included Odegaard in his list of top players of the season so far.
Micah Richards, who won the Premier League in the past, praised Martin Odegaard for his impact on Arsenal and his ability to recover from previous setbacks in his career. Richards initially had doubts about the midfielder when he first arrived at Arsenal, but has since been pleased to be proven wrong.
“I love Odegaard’s journey and the way he has put his career back on track. He was big news when he joined Real Madrid aged 16 but then things seemed to drift and I was wondering if he would ever realise his potential,” Richards wrote for BBC Sport.
“Odegaard was 22 when he joined Arsenal on loan from Real in 2021 and you only get so many chances at big clubs. I wasn’t sure whether he would take off, or fade away.
“There are plenty of examples of talented teenagers who don’t quite live up to the hype. I always think of a player called Sergio Canales who I used to buy on the Football Manager game all the time.”
Richards drew a parallel between Odegaard and his former Manchester City teammate David Silva, who spent ten years at the Etihad Stadium and won four Premier League titles while scoring 60 goals in the league.
Richards sees similarities in the playing style of Odegaard and Silva, and he expressed admiration for Odegaard’s style, admitting that he is “in love” with it.
“For Odegaard to turn things around for himself like this is impressive, especially in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, and then to take the responsibility of captaincy to inspire his team too,” Richards added.
“He has taken the challenge on and has helped turn Arsenal into title contenders, as the driving force in their midfield.
“Odegaard reminds me of my old City team-mate David Silva in the way he wants to get into pockets of space, get on the ball and dictate play. He does it all so effortlessly too, and I love watching him play.”
As Arsenal aim to maintain their push for the title, Odegaard will be looking to contribute to the team’s success when they visit Fulham on Sunday. In the meantime, David Silva currently plays for Real Sociedad, who are currently in fourth place in La Liga.’
Martin Odegaard likened to Premier League legend after latest virtuoso Arsenal performance
