Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has named Martin Odegaard as one player he would love to manage if he had the opportunity to.
The retired Spain international has moved into coaching after hanging up his boots and is currently managing Comos’ U19 side.
When asked which current Premier League player would he like to have in his team, Fabregas told Sky Sports (29/08/23 at 10:08am): “It’s difficult to say. I mean, I’m a big fan of Odegaard at Arsenal, Bernardo Silva at Man City, all these type of players that every year, they keep growing.”
Fabregas’ response comes as no surprise. Last season, Martin Odegaard was so key for Arsenal as they challenged City for the title.
He missed just one league game and managed to score 15 goals and provide seven assists.
Every manager would love to have a player like Martin Odegaard
When you consider the above, it is hard to imagine any manager turning down Odegaard right now.
In the 2022/23 campaign, the midfielder proved that he can score goals and create them. He has also been given the captain’s armband, suggesting that he has some leadership qualities as well.
Unfortunately for those looking for someone who can produce in the final third, Odegaard is unavailable, while players of his calibre are obviously not easy to find.
Mikel Arteta will now be desperate for the Norway international to replicate the form that he showed last term. If he does that, there is a good chance that Arsenal have another bright season.
If not, then there is little chance of the Gunners winning the Premier League, which is already an extremely difficult task given the strength of their title rivals City.
It is why the likes of Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have to be at their best again.
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