The Gunners were languishing in mid-table when Arteta took the reins in 2019, and now they’re regular Premier League challengers.
From the goalkeeper to the front line, Arsenal’s squad is full of world-class players that, crucially, have the right character and attitude.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has now compared one of the Gunners’ main players to Highbury legend and former teammate Dennis Bergkamp.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard likened to Dennis Bergkamp
The player in question is Martin Odegaard, whose career well and truly took off after swapping Real Madrid for Arsenal.
The Gunners captain is currently on the sidelines after picking up an injury on international duty with Norway.
Parlour, speaking to GiveMeSport, said Odegaard has numerous traits that remind him of Bergkamp.
“Arsenal have really missed Odegaard,” Parlour said. “I played with Dennis Bergkamp and I would put Martin in that bracket.
“His vision, weight of pass and ability to get out of tight situations reminds me of Bergkamp.
“Arsenal don’t really have an Odegaard back up, even though Rice can play in that role. It’s horrible when you lose such a key player.”
What Santi Cazorla said about Martin Odegaard earlier this year
Odegaard was one of the best youngsters in world football when he joined Real Madrid at just 16 years of age in 2015.
He was on their books until 2021, but only made a few senior competitive appearances for them.
Odegaard also took in four loan spells, including the one at Arsenal that led to Arteta signing him permanently.
Arsenal reportedly paid just £30million for the 25-year-old, which has proven to be one of the bargains of the century.
Arsenal cult hero Santi Cazorla previously spoke highly of Odegaard, telling The Guardian that he feels the Gunners captain is similar to him.
“I love Odegaard and see myself in him,” Cazorla said earlier this year.
“Like him, I found a coach [Arsene Wenger] who gave me confidence. He made me captain before I could say ‘hola’ in English.”
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