Martin Odegaard has opened up on comparisons to former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, with the 23-year-old admitting he looked up to the midfielder when he was younger.
In an interview with Norwegian TV station TV2, the former Real Madrid star revealed that he is not a fan of likening himself to other players, yet he takes pride in being compared to Ozil, who was one of the biggest names to play for Arsenal in the 2010s.
The now-Fenerbahce star arrived in north London in 2013 in a transfer that is one of the most iconic Arsene Wenger ever pulled off, with the playmaker starring for the Gunners over multiple years before falling out with Mikel Arteta.
Given Odegaard’s skillset and links to Madrid, it makes sense why the Scandinavian has been compared to Ozil over the years, with the current Arsenal star filling the void left by the German in stunning fashion this season.
Whilst the attacking midfielder’s goal contribution stats have not been incredible, Odegaard has been a crucial part of Arsenal’s system this season, with the midfielder an all-action dynamo in the final third.
Yet when asked about comparisons to Ozil, Odegaard was coy, with the Arsenal maestro saying: “I’m not a fan of comparing myself to other players, but I take it as a big compliment. He was a player I looked up to a lot. He was one of my favourites when I was younger.”
Odegaard can offer more to Arsenal than Ozil ever did
Ozil’s time at Arsenal will always split opinion amongst fans, yet Odegaard’s first full season with the club is already showing signs that the youngster can surpass anything the former German international ever achieved in north London.
Odegaard has shown an incredible work-rate in midfield and is a candidate to take the captain’s armband next season, and whilst comparisons to Ozil make sense given his technical quality, the 23-year-old could easily become an icon at Arsenal if he stays fit and maintains his form.
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