Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have been phenomenal over the past few seasons, and both have now been recognised on the global stage.
The pair have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, reaching the 30-man shortlist after last season’s fantastic campaigns.
Odegaard scored 15 league goals, whilst Saka scored 14 whilst also providing 11 assists.
Their nominations now mean that Arsenal have finally ended a four-year streak where no player has made the shortlist.
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The last Arsenal player to be nominated whilst at the club was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019, and before that Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil found themselves amongst the nominees.
It speaks volumes about both Arsenal’s decline between 2019 and last season, and the revival the club has seen under Mikel Arteta, that both players have earned a place whilst players before them could not.
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Leading by example
Odegaard is Arsenal’s captain, and his influence on the pitch has increased dramatically since his arrival in 2021.
The Norway star has stepped up in huge moments to provide goals and creativity, and has become one of the most vocal players on the pitch.
Saka is perhaps the most popular player at the club, and both he and Odegaard feature in most games, with both players boasting impeccable fitness records.
Both stars are a manager’s dream, and they have developed fantastically well under Arteta, going from young prospects to world-renowned stars very quickly, and they will now continue to lead the club at the top of the table and in the Champions League.
They have been two of the shining lights in the team as they helped bring Arsenal back to Europe’s elite competition for the first time in over six years, and if Arsenal are to achieve any success this season, it will likely be inspired by their two Ballon d’Or nominees.