Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard tries to learn from Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne. But the Gunners captain feels comparisons to his Citizens counterpart are not wholly accurate.
The Norwegian has merited favourable comparisons to the Belgian in line with his fantastic campaign in north London. No Arsenal player has outscored Odegaard en route to the top of the table so far this season. He has hit home eight times and laid on a further six assists.
Only Bukayo Saka with eight has fashioned more assists under Mikel Arteta, as well. While only De Bruyne with 12 has recorded a higher volume throughout the Premier League. The 31-year-old has also scored three goals ahead of his Manchester City team visiting Arsenal.
De Bruyne has been a prolific playmaker in the Premier League since moving to the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City broke their club record at the time to sign him from Wolfsburg for £55m. The midfielder has since offered 98 assists and 60 goals across 228 appearances.
Should the 97-cap Belgium international pen an assist when Manchester City visit Arsenal on Wednesday, it would be De Bruyne’s 100th in the Premier League. He also penned one over three appearances with Chelsea during the 2013/14 season before joining Wolfsburg.
Arsenal star Odegaard hails De Bruyne and the Manchester City ace’s influence
Odegaard showed that he, like De Bruyne for Manchester City, can offer Arsenal a creative presence last season. The 47-cap Norway captain only offered one goal and two assists on loan from Real Madrid. But he scored seven and created four after a £34m move last term.
Now, Arteta has seen Odegaard find an even higher level as Arsenal fight Manchester City for the title this term. The Gunners will also need the Drammen native to hit great heights and better De Bruyne’s efforts on Wednesday. Whichever side wins will then top the table.
But Odegaard does not feel comparisons between the Arsenal star and Manchester City’s De Bruyne are entirely accurate. The 24-year-old has also spoke highly of his Citizens rival and why it is wise for him to try to learn how the Etihad sensation plays in their position.
“He’s someone I’ve watched a lot,” Odegaard told the Evening Standard. “We play in the same position and he’s one of the best in the world, if not the best. So, it’s good to try and learn a little bit. But I think we’re quite different, as well.”
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