04 January 2023 , 08:00
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Martin Odegaard's first question to Gunners legend Ray Parlour demonstrated the Norwegian's demand for success as he looks to continue helping lead the north London club to bigger and better things.
Gunners captain Odegaard, who joined the club in 2021 after six seasons on the books of Real Madrid, has led Mikel Arteta's men to top spot in the Premier League approaching the halfway point of the seasons. His performances have brought comparisons with Kevin De Bruyne, who played a pivotal role in Manchester City's league title run last term.
The midfielder spent time on loan at Arsenal before joining permanently, and is well-versed in the club's recent history. So much so that, when presented with the chance to speak to a member of the Invincibles squad, he knew exactly what to ask.
"Can Odegaard be as good as De Bruyne? His technical ability is very, very good and he's been excellent," Parlour told Lord Ping. "Things didn't quite work out for him at Real Madrid but he feels at home now with Arsenal, he's enjoying it every week but De Bruyne is on a different level.
"Odegaard has a lot of work to do [to reach the level of De Bruyne] but he's still a young lad, he has a great attitude and I've met him loads of times - he's a great lad.
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"The first thing he said to me was 'what was it like playing in the invincibles team?' so he wants to know about other people's careers and I'm so pleased for him now. He's got a lot of work to do to be as good as De Bruyne, but he's certainly going the right way about it."
Would Odegaard have made it into the Invincibles team? Have your say in the comments section
Martin Odegaard has caught the eye for Arsenal this term (Getty Images)Odegaard scored seven times for Arsenal in the 2021-22 season, and it took him just 15 games to match the tally this term. He also delivered five assists in those 15 games, one more than his 2021-22 tally.
Another former Arsenal star, Paul Merson, has compared the Norwegian to snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan. A title winner with the Gunners in 1989 and 1991, the former England international was blown away by his display in the win at Brighton.
"When you talk about people seeing pictures, Martin Odegaard knows what he is doing before this ball comes he knows what he's doing and Martinelli knows what he is doing and he's away," Merson told Sky Sports. "He is running with pace full pelt with the ball.
"That is Ronnie O'Sullivan in football, he's looking at the pots and that is what Martin Odegaard. A lot of people don't see that pass, he is probably the only player on the pitch who sees that."