Kolo Toure has raved about Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The former Arsenal defender has told The Times that Odegaard is a fighter, adding that the Norway international attacking midfielder is tough.
Toure, who also played for City, made the comments about the 24-year-old Arsenal playmaker when asked to pick between him and Kevin De Bruyne.
Belgian star De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and is a big player for defending champions City.
Kolo Toure on Arsenal star Martin Odegaard
Toure said: “De Bruyne is a special talent. Odegaard is a fighter. He’s a captain and that means people like him in the dressing room and can trust him. At the same time he is tough, he can take the responsibility. But De Bruyne is De Bruyne.”
HITC Verdict: Top-quality player
In our view, Martin Odegaard is one of the best playmakers in the Premier League and is a big player for Arsenal.
The 24-year-old is not particularly vocal on the pitch, and he lets his football do the talking.
What is remarkable about Odegaard is that he is very calm under pressure.
For example, against Southampton last week, it was the attacking midfielder who was trying to make things happen in the final minutes of the match.
Odegaard has made 31 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal so far this season.
The 24-year-old has scored 12 goals and given seven assists in those matches.
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