Odegaard takes Ozil comparison as a ‘big compliment’
The Norwegian midfielder is having a great time in north London and many named him a natural successor to World Cup-winning playmaker.
Martin Odegaard
does not want to compare himself with
Mesut Ozil
but he revealed that being compared to the former
Arsenalstar is a “big compliment”.
The general agreement is that the former Germany international who had the No.10 at Arsenal for almost eight years did not truly unlock his potential in English football.
Ozil’s creative quality, however, cannot be undermined and the Norway international has now been given the responsibility to imitate the efforts another big-money signing.
Odegaard, who made the move to the Gunners from
Real Madridon a permanent contract in 2021 after pulling off impressive performance on loan, has met the back of the net nine times and contributed six assists in 47 matches for Arsenal and is currently being named in the Ozil bracket.
He has told TV2 of those discussions:
“I’m not a fan of comparing myself to other players, but I take it as a big compliment. He was a player I looked up to a lot. He was one of my favourites when I was younger.
“I feel I am in very good shape. It is always difficult to compare with things you have done before, but I feel I deliver at a good level every day.”
The 23-year-old had to have patience sometimes this season, trying to get a regular place under Mikel Arteta.
After struggling to live up to Real Madrid’s expectations when joining Los Blancos at 16, he is now having a great time playing football in North London.
Odegaard added:
“I feel I am in a good place in life.
“I'm happy and thrive here. It's a nice bunch, a nice squad and a nice environment. I am also closer to home.”
He then praised his manager and said how he is following his mentor’s (Pep Guardiola’s) footsteps, saying:
“I absolutely think he has all the qualities he needs. He is already a top manager, and I think he will be for many years to come.
“He is young, just like our team, and will only get better. I think we will see a lot of him in the future.”
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