In a statement that has raised eyebrows across the footballing world, Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has boldly claimed that an underperforming Arsenal midfielder is currently the Premier League’s finest. Despite a noticeable dip in form, Martin Ødegaard continues to earn high praise — even from a rival club’s legend.
Robson’s Surprising Choice: Ødegaard Tops the List
Speaking to OLBG, former United captain Bryan Robson expressed his admiration for Arsenal skipper Martin Ødegaard, describing him as “the best” in the Premier League. Robson drew comparisons between Ødegaard’s playing style and his own, particularly praising the Norwegian’s blend of creativity, tackling ability, and leadership.
“I like Ødegaard at Arsenal… I think Ødegaard is as good as anybody. He’s an excellent player, has got a great attitude, In the Premier League at the moment, he would be the best.
former United captain Bryan Robson
Robson also highlighted Ødegaard’s defensive contributions, drawing parallels with Manchester City’s Rodri and referencing his own responsibilities during the latter years of his career under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Recent Dip in Form Doesn’t Diminish Robson’s Praise
While Ødegaard remains a crucial part of Arsenal’s setup, his numbers have declined significantly over the past season. After an impressive 15-goal, 7-assist campaign in 2022/23, his contributions dropped to just 3 goals and 8 assists last season.
This term, the 25-year-old has yet to register a goal or assist in his first four Premier League appearances, raising questions about his current form. Nevertheless, Robson’s endorsement suggests he sees more than just statistics in evaluating Ødegaard’s quality.
Limited Game Time Adds to Ødegaard’s Struggles
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has limited Ødegaard’s involvement early in the season, with the midfielder featuring sporadically. He played a full 90 minutes in the season opener but was taken off before halftime against Leeds, made a brief substitute appearance against Liverpool, and started but was subbed early against Nottingham Forest.
He was also left out of the squad entirely for Arsenal’s Champions League opener against Athletic Club. However, with a crucial clash against Manchester City approaching, there is speculation that Ødegaard could return to the starting XI.
Looking Ahead: Can Ødegaard Bounce Back?
Despite a slow start, Ødegaard remains a key figure in Arteta’s tactical plans. With big matches on the horizon, including the showdown against City, the Norwegian will have opportunities to silence his critics — and perhaps validate Robson’s bold claim.
