KEVIN CAMPBELL reckons Martin Odegaard deserves far more plaudits for pulling the strings in Arsenal’s midfield.
And the Highbury hero has hit out at fans who fail to acknowledge the Norway star’s contribution.
The former Real Madrid playmaker, 23, played an influential role in the Gunners’ recent wins against Brentford and Wolves.
Campbell, 52, who made 226 Arsenal appearances, told Football Insider: "He is an absolutely exceptional player. He is so, so talented.
"A lot of fans do not value him enough. Most of the time he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.
"But he has an economy to his play and a wand of a left foot. He lends the ball, gives it and gets it back. He makes the team tick.
"When he gets a striker of note next to him, watch him shine. He is going to be incredible."
Odegaard's link-up play with Bukayo Saka, 20, against the Bees did have some fans singing his praises on social media.
Most read in Sport
GLOVES ARE OFF 
Klitschkos on Putin's 'kill list’ as 400 mercenaries flown into Ukraine
Russia KICKED OUT of World Cup 2022 over invasion of Ukraine
Chelsea trustees threaten to RESIGN after being handed control by Abramovich
Man Utd make Nordi Mukiele one of their top defensive transfer targets
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
And the Norwegian played a key part in the Mikel Arteta’s side late 2-1 win against Wolves.
A well-timed pivot saw him create space to tee up Alexandre Lacazette for a one-two with Eddie Nketiah before the Frenchman forced the ball home.
Odegaard initially came to Arsenal on a half-season loan spell last January after falling down the pecking order in Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid side
The playmaker impressed Emirates boss Arteta with the club sealing a £34million permanent deal last August.
Since then, the Norway captain, whose club side play Watford next, has notched four goals and three assists in 22 Prem appearances.
⚽ Read our Football News Live blog for breaking news, transfer gossip and must-read stories
And the forward who, in 2015, became the youngest player to feature in a Real Madrid La Liga side at 16 and 157 days, admits to admiring the passion of football fans in England.
Last month, Odegaard told the Gunners official web site: “The atmosphere in England is different to anywhere else I have played.
“I love the passion from the fans here – how much they care about football and their own team, and also the connection they have with the club.”
Source: Read Full Article
