Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal hopes ‘depend’ on £30m man after ‘massive blow’

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal star Martin Odegaard can be a difference-maker against Manchester City.

Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal’s prospects of beating Manchester City in their Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday depend on club captain Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard is a talismanic figure for the Gunners. In terms of raw talent, the 24-year-old is one of the most impressive players in Mikel Arteta’s squad. He also is a tactical leader on the pitch, responsible for directing the Arsenal press, and instructing his teammates in the process of defending from the front.

The £30 million former Read Madrid midfielder has been in fine form so far this season. Across all competitions, the 53-cap Norway international has already racked up four goals and one assist.

Arteta needs Odegaard to be at his best once again when Manchester City turn up in north London.

Rio Ferdinand certainly expects Odegaard to shine for the Gunners. Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, he said if “Saka’s out, it’s a massive blow for Arsenal. However, this game depends on how Odegaard plays, I think. With not having Rodri, captain Odegaard has to step up.”

Good and bad news for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka could well be missing for Sunday’s match, having sustained an injury against Lens in a Champions League group stage encounter on Tuesday evening. If he can’t recover in time to take on City then he will be hugely missed by Arsenal, and the likes of Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard will need to step up in his absence. 

There is good news for the Gunners, though, in the form of Rodri’s absence for City. The 27-year-old midfield powerhouse is serving a red card suspension and won’t be involved at the Emirates Stadium. This will make Arsenal’s task of establishing control in the middle of the park far more achievable. 

Odegaard is also likely to enjoy more time and space on the ball without Rodri there to patrol his every move.