‘He’s really stepped up’: Ray Parlour hails 23-year-old Arsenal player

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Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has praised Martin Odegaard for how he’s “really stepped up” for the Gunners this season.

The 23-year-old has been in impressive form lately, pulling the strings in midfield for Arsenal.

Although Odegaard been playing behind Alexandre Lacazette, he’s not been operating as a traditional No. 10.

The Norwegian has been dictating the play from a deeper position, showing great ball control and passing accuracy.

Odegaard’s efforts have helped Arsenal remain well in contention for a Premier League top-four finish.

Parlour, speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, named Odegaard as one of Arsenal’s most improved players.

“They show that little bit of grit on the pitch, and I think there’s more resilience in the team now,” said the Highbury icon.

“The back four is a lot stronger than it was, Xhaka and Partey are playing a lot better in the midfield now, and we know about Saka, Smith Rowe and Odegaard, he’s really stepped up as well.”

Odegaard developing into a world-class player

In his youth, Odegaard was the very definition of a wonderkid, boasting talent that defied his years.

At Stromgodset, he started to train with senior professionals in 2012 when he was just 13.

Two years later, he made history for his hometown side when he came off the bench in a first-team league game at 15.

Although Odegaard’s move to Real Madrid didn’t culminate in him becoming a regular, it nonetheless showed just how talented he is.

You can understand why he might have struggled a bit last season.

It can’t have been easy for a young player moving to a new country on loan during a global pandemic.

In addition, playing in empty stadiums without fans will never feel right.

Now, Odegaard is on Arsenal’s books, playing in front of fans, much more settled and developing into a world-class player.