Emmanuel Petit has urged Arsenal supporters to not get carried away when likening Martin Odegaard to Kevin de Bruyne. The Gunners captain has played an integral role in his side's success as they target the Premier League title.
Odegaard, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in 2025, has featured 25 times for Mikel Arteta's side this season, directly contributing to 14 goals from midfield. The 24-year-old's impressive displays have guided the north Londoners five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand.
The Norway international has been one of the country's top performers this term and some fans have begun comparing him to de Bruyne. The Belgian has featured 226 times for the reigning champions in the Premier League, winning the competition four times over — Odegaard is yet to finish in a top-four position.
READ MORE: Arsenal face Barcelona transfer battle as Edu's £52.8m January target eyed for major summer move
While the Arsenal star is enjoying a great run of form, Petit has called for supporters to "slow down" and respect de Bruyne. Speaking to Betway, the Frenchman said: "I think we have to slow the Kevin de Bruyne and Martin Odegaard comparisons down a bit.
"We're talking about Kevin de Bruyne here. He has been the best for the past six, seven, eight years. De Bruyne has shown his quality consistently and he doesn’t have to prove anything more.
"Odegaard is having a great season so far but I think the gaps are still there," Petit added. "He needs to win silverware with Arsenal and that is the potential problem for this team. They are doing well at the top of the league but, if they don’t win anything, it could all be for nothing."
While Odegaard remains some way from eclipsing de Bruyne, Petit believes that the Norwegian can reach the level of Dennis Bergkamp. He said: "Martin Odegaard definitely has the qualities to reach Bergkamp’s level, but he needs to win silverware.
"He has maturity, he is the leader of the team and he’s a technical leader as well. He also has that composure. But we are talking about Dennis Bergkamp here.
"Bergkamp has so much silverware in his cabinet and was a regular at Arsenal, playing at a top level every season. Though this is only the beginning for Odegaard and his teammates. I hope Arsenal will win something at the end of the season because if they don't, it will be a huge disappointment."
READ NEXT:
Full Arsenal Premier League squad confirmed as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba absence explained
Partey, Trossard, Jesus - Arsenal injury news and expected return dates before key Everton clash
Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and seven loanees who could make Arsenal millions
Brighton relationship damage after Moises Caicedo, Flo Balogun future, Jorginho transfer verdict
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
