Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Ian Wright has lavished praise upon Martin Odegaard, even going as far as to compare him to Paul Gascoigne.
Gascoigne is obviously a legend of English football, and while Arsenal fans may not appreciate him due to his Tottenham affiliations, being compared to Gazza is high praise indeed.
Wright recalled when he played with Gascoigne for England, claiming that Odegaard’s performances for Arsenal remind him of the former Three Lions star.
“Can I just say, Odegaard right. He’s beautiful on the ball, he’s so efficient and since we’ve started doing this 4-2-3-1 we’ve been so good,” Wright said.
The striker then went on to speak about how well the team was playing before returning to speak about Odegaard.
“People like Odegaard, he brings people into the game, he gives you touches he’s one of those.
“I remember when I played with Gazza, Gazza was amazing for that. He gives you touches of the ball, I remember when I played for England first time and he said: ‘Wrighty, just make sure when I get it, be behind me, let me know where you are I’ll turn it around the corner to you, give it me back and I’ll pass it out. Get yourself some touches early doors to get your confidence in the game’.
“That’s what he’s like, a generous player.”
This is high praise indeed from Wright.
Odegaard may have only played a few games for the Gunners, but he’s already making a huge impression at the Emirates, and the fact that he’s being compared to these legends shows just how good he’s been.
The Gunners are looking sharp again, and while their poor start to the season has hampered them, they’re now in with an outside chance of qualifying for Europe.
We can only hope that the Norway international continues to impress between now and the end of the season.
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