Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard ‘is approaching Kevin De Bruyne levels’, claims Ian Ladyman on ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’… and believes he should be in the running for Player of the Year

Arsenal star Martin Odegaard is approaching Kevin De Bruyne levels after his inspiring performances in his side’s title challenge, claims Ian Ladyman.

The Norway international has been a key catalyst for Arsenal’s success this year and was Man of the Match during their recent 5-0 win over rivals Chelsea.

Odegaard, who wears the captain’s armband for the Gunners, had two assists on the night, including one sensational, swerved pass for Kai Havertz.

Given the playmaker’s impressive form, this led to suggestions that he could be nominated for PFA Player of the Year at the end of the season, to which Ladyman agreed.

Speaking on the latest episode of It’s All Kicking Off he said: ‘TThe player who stood out for me Chelsea used to be Martin Odegaard.

Martin Odegaard (left) is compared to Kevin De Bruyne (right) amid his stellar form

The Arsenal captain put on a Man of the Match display during their 5-0 win over Chelsea

Ian Ladyman suggested Odegaard is approaching the level of City’s Belgian playmaker

‘When I see him pass, see how he appreciates football, see how he can dictate the rhythm of a match, how he measures and weighs it, is passed on to people like Kai Havertz… it is beautiful to see!

‘I think he approaches Kevin De Bruyne’s level and that is a big compliment, because we know the status De Bruyne enjoys in English and European football. I think Odegaard will get there’.

The Arsenal star scored eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League season, which proved to be key to the Gunners’ success this season.

Man City’s De Bruyne, meanwhile, managed just three goals and six assists in the top-flight season after missing half the season through injury.

Ladyman’s podcast co-host Chris Sutton then chimed in, suggesting the Norwegian is ‘knitting it all together’ for Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side.

Sutton said, “Yes, I couldn’t agree more. He’s been on my fantasy team all season. I know you don’t really care about that! And Kai Havertz was also my captain.

‘But no, Odegaard is interesting, isn’t he? Because you know, from such a young age, everyone was talking about him and you wondered if that would take a toll on him, the pressure that was on him.

‘But no, I think Arsenal have had a lot of consistent players this season, but he is the man who puts it all together.

The Norwegian international has eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League season

Ladyman’s co-host Chris Sutton said Odegaard should be considered for Player of the Year

‘There is a real artifice and quality in his death. He is a man who sees things faster than most. He’s had a phenomenal season and could be in contention for Player of the Year, right?’

Ladyman then replied: ‘Oh, yes, absolutely. He should certainly take part in that conversation before admitting his vote went to Man City’s Phil Foden.

He then continued: ‘I was just thinking this morning: whether, strange to say, but whether Odegaard ever wished he had been born in another country, because it must be difficult to be so talented and never play in a major tournament . .

“Norway has not played in a major, European Championship or World Cup final during Odegaard’s lifetime.”