Ferdinand hails Odegaard as his player of the year after stunning displays
Martin Odegaard and Arsenal are flying high, no longer going under the radar for stellar performances. So much so, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has named the Norwegian his player of the season.
Odegaard scored a sensational goal in the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Spurs on Sunday and was instrumental in the away side’s domination of its bitter rivals.
‘I’d go as far as to say right now, he’s probably my player of the year,’ Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast.
While it may be unsurprising to see a Norway international as this season’s foremost star, Ferdinand’s choice is somewhat surprising given the sheer goal contribution made by Erling Haaland at Manchester City.
The towering striker has scored 27 goals in 23 games, including an astounding 21 so far in the Premier League.
‘Haaland’s has done what he’s done,’ Ferdinand continued. ‘He has been great, don’t get me wrong.
‘If Haaland eases up with the goals and Arsenal win the league and Odegaard continues, he’s my player of the year.’
Odegaard is finally showing the promise which caused global interest in the one-time starlet before he signed with Real Madrid in 2015, aged just 16.
He joined Arsenal on loan in 2021, and without starring, showed enough promise for the deal to be made permanent in the following Summer.
Since, he has taken the armband and is driving Arsenal towards its first title since 2003/04 – with eight goals and five assists in 17 Premier League appearances.
Given the Gunners’ superb form, Ferdinand can only see one club being able to lure the 24-year-old away from North London.
‘The only place he goes is somewhere like Barca. If they come in, it’s a different conversation,’ he added.
Though it seems Arsenal fans shouldn’t be too concerned. In a recent interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Odegaard was asked if boyhood club, Liverpool, could cause a switch in allegiances. Safe to say, the Arsenal captain was emphatic.
‘There is not much that can lure me away from here,’ he said. ‘I have a very good time here.’
