Troy Deeney says ‘excellent’ Arsenal star is better than Bruno Fernandes for one reason

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Troy Deeney has praised Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard’s qualities as a captain after Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has come under fire.

The Portuguese international was criticised last week after the Red Devils’ 2-1 loss to Fulham, with Fernandes seen arguing with the referee and play-acting on the pitch during the defeat.

The result and the actions of Fernandes has again brought up the question over whether or not the attacking midfielder is a good captain for United, with Deeney now weighing in on the topic.

Troy Deeney says ‘excellent’ Arsenal star Martin Odegaard is better than Bruno Fernandes

Writing for the Sun, the former Watford captain slammed Fernandes for his actions last week, with Deeney also naming Odegaard as a leader who the United star should aspire to be like.

Indeed, the 25-year-old playmaker has worn the armband with pride and respect ever since being named Arsenal captain last season, and Deeney has praised how Odegaard has taken on the role.

Deeney said: “When I think of the best captains I played against, men like John Terry and Vincent Kompany, they had an aura, an in-built respect which meant when they spoke, world-class players in their team would know they had been spoken to and would react positively.

“And you don’t have to be an old-school leader to be a good captain. Martin Odegaard leads by example. I know he is one of Arsenal’s best players and I know he is highly regarded by his team-mates as an excellent skipper. I don’t think Fernandes commands that sort of respect.”

Bruno Fernandes can learn a lot from Martin Odegaard

Fernandes is a lot of things to a lot of different people in the English football landscape, yet to many, the Portuguese star doesn’t fit the bill for being a good United captain.

The constant complaining, diving and general behavior from Fernandes over the years has made the attacking midfielder one of the most disliked players in the entire Premier League.

And for Fernandes, the United captain can learn a thing or two from Odegaard, who has established himself as one of Arsenal’s best leaders in some years and a figure of inspiration for most of the north London side.