Martin Odegaard’s influence on Arsenal has drawn comparisons to one of the club’s greatest-ever players, Dennis Bergkamp, with the Norwegian’s creativity now seen as key to the Gunners’ success.
Bergkamp, a central figure in Arsenal’s legendary Invincible season of 2003/04, helped secure three Premier League titles during his time in north London. Now, Arsenal is calling upon Odegaard to inspire the current squad towards similar triumphs, with his playmaking abilities central to their attacking threat.
Ray Parlour, who played alongside Bergkamp, highlighted the similarities between the two players. While he was careful not to draw a direct comparison, Parlour praised Odegaard’s vision and ability to create opportunities for teammates, much like the Dutchman did during his career.
“I look at Bergkamp when I played, and while I wouldn’t say Odegaard is as good as Bergkamp, he’s very similar in the way he can see the game and create chances,” Parlour said. “Odegaard is very clever with his movement and vision. He knows where the runs are going to come from. We missed that creativity against Newcastle, and that’s what Odegaard brings to the team.”
Odegaard sidelined himself due to an injury sustained during international duty with Norway, and Arsenal’s recent struggles have highlighted just how integral he is to their creative play. Without him, the team has struggled to generate chances, taking just one point from the last nine available in the Premier League. Their most recent loss came against Newcastle, where the Gunners suffered a 1-0 defeat, and Arsenal’s midfield lacked its usual spark.
With Odegaard’s return on the horizon, Parlour called on other midfielders, particularly Declan Rice, to step up in his absence. “If Odegaard isn’t playing, I’d like to see Declan Rice get forward a little more when Partey is on the field,” said Parlour. “Declan has the vision and creativity to make a difference in the final third, but when Odegaard is there, he’s the one who thrives in tight situations and creates chances.”
Odegaard made a brief return to action midweek, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan. The Norwegian is now expected to play a bigger role in the upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea, where his creativity and vision will once again be in high demand to help Arsenal bounce back from their recent setbacks.
As Odegaard looks to regain full fitness, Arsenal fans will be hoping his return can reignite their offensive spark, much like Bergkamp did during his illustrious Arsenal career.
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