Rio Ferdinand hails Martin Odegaard as 'more than just a footballer' for Arsenal as they battle for title and in Europe

TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand believes Martin Odegaard’s impact for Arsenal stretches beyond his ability on the pitch.

The Norwegian moved to the Emirates from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 and has since become an integral part of a rejuvenated Arsenal attack, scoring 32 goals and assisting 22 times in 132 appearances.

His contribution going forward nearly helped The Gunners end their Premier League drought last season and he has been back to his scintillating best during Arsenal’s run of five consecutive wins.

“He's one of the players they look to in moments when they need that little spark, that little bit of magic. He's that guy who’s got that,” Ferdinand said on TNT Sports.

“Last year, he was one of the best midfielders no doubt in the league. He dipped a little bit earlier in the season in terms of his output of goals and in creating chances, but in the last couple of games, he's come back to the fore and he's the guy again who they're looking at.

“He's providing those moments where he’s unlocking, he’s the locksmith. He's the person that when it's congested, he's got that clear picture and can see the game a lot clearer than anyone else. His execution is phenomenal.

“And he's been made captain here [at] 22 years old, made captain of Norway. He comes in here and he’s immediately captain of the club, that says something, the manager sees something more than just a footballer.”

Ferdinand added: “He brings so much more than that [goals]. The rhythm of the game goes through him. When he's in the right vibe and he's playing and he's really in the rhythm of the team, every motion goes through him and the team looks different.”

Odegaard was something of a young prodigy when he joined Madrid in January 2017 as a 16-year-old but failed to make the kind of impact expected in the Spanish capital.

He enjoyed numerous loan spells in Spain but managed just 11 appearances for Madrid before swapping LaLiga for the Premier League, and former Gunners defender Martin Keown praised the now 25-year-old for the way in which he’s proved his doubters wrong.

“The form that he's in now is incredible,” Keown said. “Lovely little link-ups with Saka as his favourite player he that goes to.

“He was at Real Madrid, let's not forget, for six years [and] only played 11 games there. And he's come here – and Mikel Arteta deserves credit – and he's a totally different animal.

“He’s proving he was always a fantastic talent all along.”

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