Cesc Fabregas says Arsenal now have a ‘great leader’ who reminds him of himself

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Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said that one Gunners star reminds him of himself more than any other player in modern football.

Arsenal fell just short of the Premier League title last season with Manchester City once again pipping them to the honour.

But it is undeniable that Mikel Arteta’s side have made huge leaps in performance over the past two years to become regular title challengers.

The current Arsenal squad shares many similarities to the iconic teams managed by Arsene Wenger in years gone by with characters and leaders across every position.

Included in that category is Martin Odegaard, who Arteta named captain of the club in 2022 despite the Norwegian playmaker being just 23 years old.

Odegaard has been a revelation for the North London side and Arteta claimed he was “vital” to their Premier League title push last season.

Cesc Fabregas compares himself to Martin Odegaard

Former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas was quick to pile praise on Odegaard after telling BBC Sport that he reminds him of himself.

“I really like Odegaard and the position and character and profile of player that he is today for Arsenal,” Fabregas said.

“It reminds me of myself in my time.

“He is a great guy, a great professional and a great leader and he reminds me of when I was captain and was young.

“He brings energy and the atmosphere up at The Emirates.”

Martin Odegaard at Arsenal next season

While Odegaard will be gutted to have missed out on playing in Euro 2024, it puts him in a great position to hit the ground running next season.

Playing in the Euros certainly hasn’t done much for the confidence of fellow midfielder Declan Rice, who has faced heavy criticism after his England struggles.

Instead, Odegaard will be fresh, rested and ready to right the wrongs from Arsenal’s title push in 2023-24.

There is no doubting his ability as a player – the talent was clear for all to see after he burst onto the scene and was snapped up by Real Madrid.

READ MORE: Ally McCoist rages at Arsenal star at Euro 2024, questioned about ‘going into dressing room’

But, as Fabregas points out, perhaps Odegaard’s most surprising attribute is his leadership from the heart of midfield.

Arsenal will set their sights on another title push next season and Odegaard will look to improve on his eight goals and 10 assists from the previous league campaign.