Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has statistically been the best presser in Europe's top five leagues this season.
As per Whoscored, the Norwegian international has won his side possession in the attacking third 40 times in the Premier League this season, at least nine times more than any other player across Europe's most prestigious leagues. That kind of defensive work rate, paired with his impressive contributions when he has the ball has helped the Gunners become this season's favourites to win the league title.
In fact, Mikel Arteta's men currently sit eight points clear of second-placed Manchester, although the Citizens do have a game in hand on their rivals. Arteta has also been boosted by the recent return of marquee summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who was sidelined for over three months due to a knee injury sustained during Brazil's World Cup campaign in Qatar.
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Jesus had netted five goals and provided a further five assists in the league before his injury and like Odegaard, he is also well known for his ability out of possession. In fact, City boss Pep Guardiola, who managed the talented forward for four-and-a-half years, previously labelled him the best presser in the world.
“He is a centre-forward, he can play there,” Guardiola said last year when asked about the 25-year-old. “It is true that lately he played more out wide, where he felt comfortable, with his body shape more open.
"He can play in the three positions up front. And when we need runners and players that help a lot with our high intensity and high pressing, he is the best in the world.
"Thanks to him we can stay high and be so aggressive." Luckily for Arteta, Jesus now plies his trade for the Gunners and he will be using the current international break to get back to full fitness ahead of the crucial title run-in, with the north Londoners facing Leeds United on April 1 before a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool eight days later.
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