SKY SPORTS pundit Jamie Redknapp has hailed the performance of one Arsenal star calling him “influential”.
The Gunners are top of the table at Christmas – five points ahead of closest rivals Manchester City after 14 games.
And Redknapp has praised the impact of captain Martin Odegaard citing him as a big reason for the club’s incredible opening half of the season.
The Norwegian midfielder scored twice in Arsenal’s 0-2 victory over Wolves as he put in another fantastic display.
Redknapp said after his brace: “Odegaard’s had a great season.
“A lot of people talk about different players, if [William] Saliba gets injured what might happen to the team but I think you have to put him in that bracket as well.
“He’s such an influential player for the team the way he controls the game.
“[Gabriel] Jesus is having a bit of a moment, he’s playing well and doing a great job for the team but not got the goals.
“That’s when you need your midfield players, wide men can they chip in and make the difference. So for him to get two goals is just so important for the team.”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was on punditry duty with Redknapp and the ex-Chelsea man also complimented Odegaard.
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He said: “When he plays like that and especially in the second-half and he takes the ball and he runs at people he’s very, very difficult to play against.”
Jesus is suffering from a goal drought after not netting in any of his last ten appearances in all competitions.
Therefore Odegaard is now the club’s joint top scorer with six goals, level with Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta’s men are top of the table at Christmas for the first time since 2007/08.
And fans will have a six-weeks to celebrate due to the World Cup break with Odegaard staying put at the club as Norway did not qualify for the tournament.
