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Rio Ferdinand hails Martin Odegaard as his ‘player of the year’ after his impressive performance in Arsenal’s win over Tottenham… as he explains why the midfielder deserves the honor over 21-goal compatriot Erling Haaland
- The Gunners captain has been in excellent form for Arsenal so far this season.
- His goal in the north London derby on Sunday capped an excellent individual game.
- Odegaard has been central in Arsenal’s rise to an eight-point lead at the top.
- Despite Erling Haaland’s 21 league goals, Ferdinand favors Martin Odegaard
Rio Ferdinand named Arsenal star Martin Odegaard his player of the year so far in recognition of the Norwegian’s stellar performances for the high-flying Gunners.
Odegaard scored a superb goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Spurs on Sunday and was instrumental in the away team’s domination of their bitter rivals.
“I would go as far as to say at this point that he is probably my player of the year,” Ferdinand said in his vibes with five podcast.
Martin Odegaard has been in excellent form for Arsenal during their rise to the top of the table.
Rio Ferdinand believes that the Norwegian midfielder has been the star of this campaign
Erling Haaland has also been in excellent form for Manchester City this season, scoring 27 goals in 23 matches, including an incredible 21 so far in the Premier League.
“Haaland has done what he has done,” Ferdinand continued. He’s been great, don’t get me wrong.
“If Haaland relaxes with the goals and Arsenal win the league and Odegaard continues, he is my player of the year.”
Erling Haaland (L) and his Norway teammate Odegaard (R) have lit up the league this season
Odegaard is finally showing the promise that sparked global interest in the one-time star before he signed with Real Madrid in 2015, aged just 16.
He joined Arsenal on loan in 2021 and showed enough promise that the deal was made permanent the following summer.
Odegaard has since been awarded the armband and is leading Arsenal to their first title since 2003/04, with eight goals and five assists in 17 Premier League appearances.
Given the Gunners’ excellent form, Ferdinand can only see one club in Europe capable of luring the 24-year-old away from north London.
Odegaard continued his extraordinary season with a superb goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 NLD win
The only place he goes is somewhere like Barca. If they come in, it’s a different conversation,” Ferdinand said.
But it seems that Arsenal fans shouldn’t worry too much. In a recent interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Odegaard was asked if boyhood club Liverpool could spark a change in allegiances.
“There’s not much that can draw me away from here,” he said. I have a great time here.
Erling Haaland had a sinister start to the season, but his form has declined in recent weeks.