Paul Merson says Martin Odegaard has made one Arsenal teammate ’10 times better’

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Martin Odegaard is one of Arsenal’s best players.

The Norway international joined the Gunners from Real Madrid, initially on loan. That move was made permanent in the summer of 2022 and he has been one of the club’s most impressive signings since.

Odegaard is Arsenal’s captain and one of the first names on the team sheet every week. He makes everyone on the pitch better.

Paul Merson has now had his say on the former Real Madrid man.

Paul Merson hails Arsenal star Martin Odegaard

Arsenal have had a tough season so far.

Odegaard suffered a nasty ankle injury back in September, and that kept him out of action for around two months. The Gunners really struggled without him.

When the Norwegian was unavailable, Arsenal often looked clueless in attack. They created very few chances, which is why they dropped points against the likes of Bournemouth, Liverpool and Newcastle United.

Odegaard is back now and has started the last three games. He has picked up an assist in each of those fixtures and has been one of Arsenal’s best players.

Since Odegaard’s return, one of his teammates has gone up a level as well – Bukayo Saka. Merson thinks the Englishman becomes 10 times better when he plays with his skipper.

He wrote on Sportskeeda: “Martin Odegaard is different class, what a player.

“He makes Bukayo Saka 10 times better! Don’t get me wrong, Saka is a good player but Odegaard just elevates him to another level.”

Saka’s stats with and without Odegaard in 2024/25

Saka and Odegaard share fantastic chemistry on the pitch.

The two players dominate the right side of Arsenal’s attack every week. All of the Gunners’ rivals know that is going to happen, but they still struggle against them.

Merson is right to say that Saka is better when he plays with Odegaard.

Saka has been playing out of his skin this season despite injuries of his own.

He has produced good numbers without Odegaard, but his output when the Norwegian starts is much better. That has been evident in the last two games.

Arsenal take on West Ham United next in the Premier League and both Odegaard and Saka are expected to start. We expect them to dominate again, just like they did against Sporting CP and Nottingham Forest.