Kieran Gibbs has hailed Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard as a ‘top, top player’ and the one who has been the main man for the Premier League title-chasers this season, as he told ESPN.
The former Arsenal academy product added that ‘everything’ goes through the club’s captain and he has been the consistent one for Mikel Arteta’s men.
After being named Arsenal captain in the summer, the performances of the 24-year-old have gone up a level, without a doubt.
After only 23 league games, he has already topped last season’s performances, with eight goals and seven assists to his name – he managed seven goals and four assists last term.
There is every chance that Odegaard, alongside Bukayo Saka and possibly Gabriel Martinelli, hit double figures in both the goals and assists department this term, which is some going.
But when Kieran Gibbs was asked to name one player, and one player only, as to who he thinks has been ‘the star’ for the north London club, he explained why it’s the man with the armband.
“If I had to pick anyone, then I would say Odegaard,” said Gibbs. “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 LEADING BY EXAMPLE
The last two captains of Arsenal – Pierre-Emerick Aubameuang and Granit Xhaka – were stripped of their roles.
So, when Arteta handed the baton to Odegaard, fans were hoping this was the end of, whoever becomes captain, ending in a world of mess.
Now, Xhaka, to his credit, has managed to turn his situation around, but for the first time in a long time, the Gunners have a popular captain, one that is leading by example, and most importantly, performing.
