'Haven't seen before' - Ex-Arsenal defender makes 'different' claim about midfielder

Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has lauded the Gunners for their clinical performance against Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s side scored three goals in 38 minutes before holding off Spurs who fought back in the second half to score twice.

Gallas, who has worn the captain’s armband in this match for both sides, claimed the “best team won” at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He also backed his former club to take the title challenge to the final day of the season.  

“Even before the match started, I saw Odegaard talking to his players with so much authority,” said Gallas.

“That is something I haven’t seen before – we’ve seen the Arsenal players huddle before a game, but this felt different. It was a big derby, and he was motivating the team with his gestures.

“This is an Arsenal team that has grown up a lot over the last couple of years. They are so close to winning the Premier League and that improved maturity is one of the main reasons.”

Asked if he agreed with Gary Neville’s assessment that Odegaard was the best midfielder in his position, Gallas told Gambling Zone that Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne is “still one level above” the Arsenal man and went on to explain what the Arsenal captain has to do to eclipse the Belgian maestro. 

Gallas said: “In terms of the best playmaker in the Premier League, you can’t put Martin Odegaard in front of Kevin de Bruyne yet. De Bruyne is still the man – he is one level above. Kevin de Bruyne has shown he is the best for the last three or four seasons. He is resilient. When he came back from his injury, his performances reminded everyone of just how special he is as a player. There were no doubts if he was going to get back to his level, so he deserves credit for that in itself.

“Odegaard is on the right path. He is up there with the best in the Premier League, but to be the best, you need to win the title; you need to lift trophies. He’s Arsenal’s captain, he takes the responsibility, but the next step to be recognised as the best in the league, is to lead your team to the Premier League title. If Arsenal don’t win it this season, I think next season will be his year and we will see that torch being handed from Kevin de Bruyne to Martin Odegaard.”