Martin Odegaard has received advice on how to meet Dennis Bergkamp standard as he leads Arsenal’s Premier League title charge with consistent performances as captain.
Arsenal icon Alan Smith emphasises that Martin Odegaard, who’s been performing exceptionally, must clinch trophies to validate comparisons to Dennis Bergkamp.
Since his £30 million move from Real Madrid in August 2021, Odegaard’s impact has drawn parallels to Bergkamp. Named club captain for the 2022/23 season, he netted 15 goals in 45 appearances, followed by 11 goals and nine assists in 44 matches this term, fueling Arsenal’s Premier League title push.
However, Smith stresses that Odegaard still has ground to cover compared to Bergkamp, who amassed over 100 goals and claimed seven major titles during his 11-year tenure. Winning trophies with Arsenal is deemed crucial before any parallels are drawn.
Smith told Crypto Casino: “What I will say is that there aren’t many about like Martin Odegaard these days.
“I know he’s been mentioned in the same sentence as Dennis Bergkamp – my opinion is that he’s got a bit of work to go to be on the same level as him and needs to win some trophies with the club first, but he’s been an outstanding signing since he joined.
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“I wouldn’t have put him down as club captain a few years ago, but he’s one of those players who leads by example and talks a lot more now than he used to.
“I think he’s enjoying that responsibility and it’s actually helping his game – he just roams the pitch and hunts the ball all the time and tries to make things happen. Hopefully he can stay fit now and realise the potential that everyone knew he had when he was at Real Madrid.”
Odegaard dazzled again for Arsenal in their 5-0 triumph over Chelsea on Tuesday. The 25-year-old provided two assists and delivered an outstanding performance, keeping Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes alive. Currently, Arsenal leads Manchester City by four points, although City has two games in hand.
Speaking after the match, Arteta heaped praise on his skipper. “We agreed that it was a huge talent which we could develop. There was a long period where he was exceptional and we were so convinced that he could add something special to the team,” Arteta said on TNT Sports.
“He is loved by everybody, the way he loves his game and it’s more than enough for everyone else to follow him.”