Arsenal star rated above Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil by John Arne Riise | Football

Odegaard has had an enormous impact since arriving in north London in 2021, helping the Gunners mount back-to-back title challenges with a series of impressive performances.

His influence at the club was highlighted last summer when Mikel Arteta made him his new captain following Granit Xhaka’s departure.

Riise has been impressed by his compatriot’s development at the Emirates Stadium and believes he is a more ‘complete player’ than former Arsenal stars Bergkamp and Ozil.

Bergkamp is considered one of the best foreign exports to play in the Premier League, having scored more than 100 goals for the Gunners and starring in three title wins.

German World Cup winner Ozil also enjoyed a largely successful spell in north London after being signed by Arsene Wenger in 2013, picking up four FA Cups during his time at Arsenal.

Despite Bergkamp and Ozil’s impact in the Premier League, Riise rates Odegaard as the superior player and says he has the potential to go down as an all-time Arsenal great.

‘Martin has more to his game than they did, he’s more complete when it comes to football. I think he has improved his defensive skills and his leadership.

‘We know Bergkamp was outstanding, maybe the one player along with Thierry Henry who Arsenal fans look at as their best ever.

‘But Martin has the potential to be up there with them. It depends on his legacy when he leaves Arsenal but I think Martin is a more complete player, if you look as a whole, he’s getting there.’

Odegaard has played a starring role in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge this season. The Gunners are currently top on goal difference, level on points with Liverpool and one above Manchester City.

Arteta’s side have also reached the latter stages of the Champions League and drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

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