Speaking on the Sky Sports Football Podcast, Alan Smith has warned Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur that they have to keep an eye on Martin Odegaard during the north London derby.
Arsenal face Spurs on Thursday evening in the most eagerly-anticipated north London derby in recent memory, and there are a number of players who could decide the game.
Of course, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are the main threats for Spurs, but according to Smith. Martin Odegaard is one Arsenal player that Spurs need to keep an eye on.
What’s been said?
Smith spoke about Odegaard and the threat he poses.
“From Arsenal’s point of view, the two centre-halves have got to perform, obviously wit Harry Kane, he’s the best all-around centre-forward in the world, and then the full-backs with Son and the form he’s in. Going forward, Saka can give any left-back or wing-back a tough time, he’s had a magnificent season. Odegaard dropping into the pockets can make things tick, you can imagine Hojbjerg and Bentancur trying to keep more than half an eye on Odegaard’s positioning and trying to prevent him space,” Smith said.
Dangerman
Arsenal have a number of threatening players in their attack, but it’s fair to say that Odegaard may be the most important player for the Gunners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Norwegian ran the show in the reverse fixture, and he could do the same again this time around if Hojbjerg and Bentancur can’t get a grip of him.
Of course, stopping Martin Odegaard is easier said than done, and while we’re sure Spurs will have highlighted the dangers he poses, they may not be able to halt his influence.
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