Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has praised Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, describing the Norwegian midfielder as a “complete player” and highlighting the qualities that have made him one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League.
Ødegaard has established himself as a key figure at Arsenal since becoming a permanent member of the squad. His technical ability, intelligence, leadership and creativity have made him an important part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, while his role as club captain has placed even greater responsibility on his shoulders.
For Fernandes, Ødegaard represents the type of modern midfielder capable of influencing different areas of the game. Rather than being judged only by goals and assists, the Arsenal captain has developed a reputation for controlling the tempo, creating opportunities, pressing opponents and helping his team maintain possession.
Fernandes, who has regularly been compared with other creative midfielders in the Premier League, is understood to have great respect for Ødegaard’s ability.
Ødegaard’s Creativity
One of the biggest strengths associated with Ødegaard is his creativity.
The Arsenal midfielder possesses excellent vision and is capable of finding passes that can unlock tightly organised defences. His ability to receive the ball between the lines allows him to turn quickly and search for runners in dangerous areas.
Ødegaard has also developed an excellent understanding with Arsenal’s attacking players. His combinations around the edge of the penalty area frequently create opportunities for teammates, while his movement allows him to become an additional attacking threat.
Fernandes believes that this creative quality is one of the characteristics that separates elite midfielders from ordinary players.
Both Fernandes and Ødegaard have built their reputations around their ability to influence attacking situations. They are comfortable operating behind the striker, creating chances and taking responsibility when their teams need someone to produce a decisive moment.
However, Ødegaard’s game has developed beyond simply being a creative midfielder.
More Than Just an Attacking Midfielder
Calling Ødegaard a complete player reflects the Norwegian’s development over recent seasons.
Earlier in his career, much of the attention surrounding Ødegaard focused on his technical ability and potential. As he matured, however, he became much more involved in other aspects of the game.
His defensive contribution has become increasingly important. Ødegaard regularly presses opponents and attempts to win possession high up the pitch. His willingness to work without the ball allows Arsenal to maintain pressure on opponents after losing possession.
That work rate is particularly important in Arteta’s tactical system.
Arsenal often rely on coordinated pressing, with their midfielders expected to close down opponents quickly. Ødegaard’s intelligence allows him to recognise when to press and when to maintain his position.
This tactical awareness is one of the reasons he has become such an important player for Arsenal.
Leadership Qualities
Another aspect of Ødegaard’s game that has attracted attention is his leadership.
The midfielder was handed the Arsenal captaincy after the departure of previous senior leaders, and he has gradually grown into the responsibility.
Being captain of a club competing for major trophies comes with enormous pressure. Ødegaard is expected to lead both through his performances and through his behaviour on the pitch.
His calm personality has helped him handle that responsibility.
Fernandes himself knows what it means to captain a major Premier League club. The Manchester United midfielder has frequently carried significant responsibility for his team’s performances, making his appreciation of Ødegaard’s leadership particularly noteworthy.
Both players are also expected to provide creativity while leading their respective teams, meaning they face similar demands.
Intelligence and Movement
Ødegaard’s football intelligence is another major part of his game.
The Norwegian rarely relies solely on physical strength. Instead, he uses positioning, timing and movement to create advantages.
His movement can pull opposition midfielders away from their defensive positions, opening spaces for teammates. At other times, he drops deeper to receive possession and help Arsenal build attacks.
This versatility makes him difficult for opponents to control.
A midfielder who remains in one position can become easier to mark, but Ødegaard constantly adjusts his position depending on the situation.
That ability to read the game allows him to influence matches even when he is not directly involved in a goal.
Comparison With Fernandes
The praise from Fernandes is also interesting because of the similarities between the two midfielders.
Both players are creative leaders who are comfortable taking risks with the ball. They are willing to attempt difficult passes and regularly look for ways to break defensive lines.
Fernandes is known for his direct style, while Ødegaard often operates with a slightly more controlled approach.
Their personalities on the pitch are also different, but both accept responsibility when their teams need inspiration.
Fernandes has often been one of Manchester United’s main sources of goals and assists, while Ødegaard has become a central figure in Arsenal’s attacking structure.
The comparison demonstrates how important creative midfielders have become in modern football.
Arsenal’s Dependence on Ødegaard
Arsenal’s reliance on Ødegaard has grown significantly.
When the midfielder is playing with confidence, Arsenal can move the ball quickly through midfield and create more opportunities around the opposition penalty area.
His relationship with his teammates is also crucial. Ødegaard understands when to combine with attacking players, when to carry the ball and when to slow the game down.
That ability to adapt makes him valuable in different types of matches.
Against teams that defend deeply, his creativity can help Arsenal find openings. Against stronger opponents, his pressing and tactical intelligence can help the team compete in midfield.
This versatility explains why describing him as a complete player carries considerable weight.
A Midfielder Still Improving
Despite the praise, Ødegaard is still capable of developing further.
At his age, the Norwegian has already accumulated considerable experience at the highest level, but there remain areas where he can improve.
Adding more goals, maintaining consistency throughout an entire campaign and continuing to develop his physical presence could make him even more influential.
Arsenal will also hope that Ødegaard can remain fit and available during important periods of the season.
His importance to the team’s midfield means his absence can significantly affect Arsenal’s creativity and control.
Fernandes’ Respect
For Fernandes, recognising Ødegaard’s qualities is a sign of the respect the Arsenal captain has earned within English football.
Premier League midfielders are constantly compared with one another, but Ødegaard has created his own identity through his technical ability, intelligence, leadership and work rate.
Describing him as a complete player highlights how far he has come since arriving in England.
The Norwegian is no longer viewed simply as a talented young midfielder with potential. He is now regarded as one of Arsenal’s leaders and one of the players responsible for controlling the team’s attacking rhythm.
If Ødegaard continues developing at his current level, his influence on Arsenal could become even greater.
For Arsenal supporters, that will be an encouraging prospect. For opponents, it is another reminder of the quality they have to deal with when facing Arteta’s side.
Ultimately, Ødegaard’s greatest strength may be his ability to combine several different qualities. He can create, score, press, defend, organise and lead.
That combination is what makes him such an important player for Arsenal and explains why a player of Fernandes’ profile would regard him as a complete midfielder.
