"Most integral part of that team" - Pundit heaps praises on 'terrific' Arsenal star for performances this season

Scotland legend Ally McCoist has waxed lyrical about Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard amidst claims that the Norwegian could be handed a new long-term deal.

Odegaard initially arrived at the Emirates on a loan deal from Real Madrid in January 2021. Impressed by his performances, the Gunners bought him for a deal worth around €40 million the next summer.

The attacker has since established himself as a key player for Arsenal, making 95 appearances across competitions. Following the exit of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, he was named the team's new captain ahead of the ongoing season.

Odegaard has been pivotal to the north London giants' Premier League title push this term. With ten goals and seven assists in 27 games, he has helped the Gunners go eight points clear at the top.

According to reports, the Gunners want to reward the Norway international for his contributionswith a new deal. They are said to be keen to tie him down to a contract till 2030.

McCoist was full of praise for Odegaard when he was told that the 24-year-old could sign a new deal with Arsenal. The Rangers legend reckons the midfielder is the most important player in Mikel Arteta's team.

“He (Odegaard) has been brilliant,” McCoist said on talkSPORT (via HITC). “Did he not win the London Player of the Year?! Thoroughly deserved. I actually think he might be the most integral part of that team – I think Odegaard keeps the whole thing moving and ticking along. I really think he is a terrific footballer.”

With ten games left, Odegaard is in line to become the first Arsenal captain to win the Premier League since 2004. It will also be his first trophy with the north London giants.

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Martin Odegaard way better than former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, says Jason Cundy

Mesut Ozil, who recently announced his retirement from the game, is considered one of the best playmakers of recent times. However, former Chelsea star Jason Cundy reckons Martin Odegaard is way better than the German, who he feels was overrated. He said:

"Oh mate, honestly, don't (even start). That's not even a conversation. Odegaard makes things happen. I've binned him because Ozil, for me, is a luxury player."

Ozil bagged 44 goals and 79 assists in 254 games during his stint with the Gunners. While Odegaard is way behind the German in terms of numbers, he could go down as a legend in the Gunners' annals if he ends their near two-decade drought for the league title.