Martin Odegaard has made sparkling start to the new season (Picture: Getty)
William Gallas insists Martin Odegaard’s sparkling performances at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield are reminiscent of Dennis Bergkamp in his prime.
The Dutchman is rightly regarded as one of the greatest players in the north London club’s esteemed history having played a key role in the success Arsenal enjoyed during the first half of Arsene Wenger’s trophy-laden tenure.
Supreme close control, tenacity, unrivalled vision and an eye for goal were all key aspects of Bergkamp’s game and Gallas insists he is starting to see all of those qualities on a regular basis in current captain Odegaard.
The Norway international decorated Arsenal’s return to the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in midweek and walked away with the man of the match award in a 4-0 win crowned by his third goal of the campaign.
Odegaard joined Arsenal initially on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, but is now arguably the most important component in Mikel Arteta’s side and appears destined to be rewarded with a new long-term contract.
Arsenal are set to reward captain Martin Odegaard with a new long-term contract (Picture: Getty)
‘It’s good news that Arsenal are signing Odegaard to a new contract,’ former Asenal skipper Gallas told Genting Casino.
‘He is a playmaker, and he is the player in this Arsenal team that is expected to unlock tight matches with his quality.
‘The pass that he produced for Saka to then set-up Trossard in the Everton game was magnificent.
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‘He is such an important player for Arsenal. If you take him out of the team, Arsenal are not the same.
‘I think you can compare Odegaard to Dennis Bergkamp. He isn’t on Bergkamp’s level yet – Bergkamp was an unbelievable player for Arsenal – but Odegaard reminds me of him. Odegaard can make the difference with his quality.
‘Odegaard is so good on the ball. He has wonderful vision – he rarely loses the ball. Every team would love to have a player like him and if Arsenal can extend his contract, then that is good news for everyone at the club.’
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