Once the dust settles on Arsenal’s seismic win against West Ham United yesterday, there will be multiple performances to look back on and enjoy.
Declan Rice was obviously the star of the show back at his old side, settling the frustration attached to two previous defeats.
Perhaps then the likes of Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard will be in the spotlight, two of Arsenal’s other goal scorers.
But despite all of the credit Mikel Arteta’s players do receive, perhaps there are still some that are understated.
Ben White definitely falls into that category, an incredibly consistent performer that rarely gets a mention.
And although he does receive a better share of the praise, Martin Odegaard is in the same boat.
The Arsenal captain was brilliant in the win at West Ham yesterday – displaying all of his world-class attributes.
However, there are still some among the Arsenal fan base that don’t necessarily consider that there will always be a first team place for the Norwegian at the Emirates in the future.
West Ham win proved just how understated Martin Odegaard is at Arsenal
Some do conclude that Mikel Arteta would be wise to eventually move Odegaard on as Arsenal progress – in a similar fashion to Liverpool selling Phillipe Countinho.
But to the rest, that sounds like a ludicrous idea.
Not only is Odegaard the club captain, a pillar of the dressing room and excellent example, he’s also so crucial on the pitch.
Perhaps any frustration with the Norwegian is born out of the sacrifices he often makes for the team.
The £30m Arsenal man is at his best when given something of a free role to float across the pitch, as could be afforded in the West Ham win.
And as Arteta’s side continue to improve that should only benefit Odegaard’s creativity, rather than suggest he’s not needed.
The mere thought that Arsenal could be better off without Odegaard demonstrates just how underappreciated he still can be.
And should Arsenal win the Premier League this season, there’s a reason why the midfielder will be first to lift the trophy.
All that being said, Declan Rice did also match an incredible Frank Lampard record in Sunday’s victory.
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