Paul Merson makes ‘world-class’ Martin Odegaard claim and names one Arsenal star who has missed him most

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Arsenal will be delighted to welcome back club captain Martin Odegaard after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The skipper sustained a nasty ankle injury during the September international break, returning in midweek against Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Arsenal have missed the midfielder’s playmaking ability dearly, with Mikel Arteta wasting no time in restoring him to the starting XI. 

Against Chelsea, Odegaard started in midfield in a bid to bring the Gunners’ dreary spell of form to an end. 

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta loved what Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri did in Arsenal training

Paul Merson praises Martin Odegaard’s impact on Bukayo Saka

A recurring narrative from Arsenal’s fixtures without Odegaard has been the inability to catch the opponent off guard in the final third.

The Norwegian has an extensive passing catalogue that so often troubles the opposition, emphasising just how much the Gunners have missed their key creator.

Previewing Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea on Sky Sports, Paul Merson made a bold claim that one of Arteta’s players has missed Odegaard the most. 

“He’s [Odegaard] world class, he’s a phenomenal footballer, I think it works for Saka as well,” Merson explained.

“He takes people in and gives Saka a 1v1 instead of getting doubled up. He makes things happen.”

Merson praised Odegaard’s ability to draw attention away from Bukayo Saka on the flank, giving Arsenal’s number seven more freedom to exploit those ahead of him. 

Saka won’t be the only one to have missed the captain however, Merson’s assessment rings true, with the Norway international holding the keys to unlock the winger.

Arsenal need Odegaard’s creativity

Three games without a win is not what Arteta wants from his side, as the Gunners headed to Stamford Bridge 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool.

To emphasise what Odegaard brings to the table, Merson continued to wax lyrical about the playmaker’s ability, pinpointing what he has to offer in North London. 

• READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand says he actually never thought Martin Odegaard would become so ‘important’

“The one thing I’d say about Arsenal in this sticky patch is they haven’t had that person who can put the ball through the eye of a needle.

“You need that when you’re playing for one of the big clubs because teams sit back with 10 men behind the ball and you’ve got to find that pass.

“He is a massive plus, he gives them every chance of winning.”

Arteta will hope that Odegaard provides an immediate impact at the Bridge, as Arsenal gun for a much-needed three points ahead of the international break.