Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes would not get into Arsenal's team ahead of Martin Odegaard, according to Darren Bent.
The Norwegian playmaker spent last season on loan at the Gunners before signing permanently in the summer. Odegaard's stop start career had stalled at Real Madrid but he has begun to realise his potential in north London, helping Arsenal on their charge towards the top four.
United and Fernandes are among the chasing pack with the Portuguese playmaker himself copping plenty of criticism following an indifferent year at Old Trafford. Fernandes made an immediate impact in a struggling outfit when he arrived in January 2020 and continues to be a regular despite a change in the dugout.
Despite that, Arsenal fan Bent thinks Odegaard's rise this term means he would pick him over his United counterpart, who he has challenged to produce more in the big games. He said on talkSPORT : "Of course, he’s been a very good player for Manchester United, but I’m still waiting for him to turn up when they really need him in those big games."
He then added: "Right now, I’d rather have Martin Odegaard with the way Arsenal are playing. I’m taking Odegaard in that role for Arsenal. He’s perfect for what Arsenal are doing right now. I wouldn’t swap him for Bruno."
Odegaard has scored five times this term for the Gunners whilst Fernandes has notched on nine occasions and laid on more assists. Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for his playmaker, who has been a regular despite facing plenty of competition for an attacking berth. "Martin for us is a really important player, that's for sure," he said. "He's showing that every single week. He's phenomenal to work with.
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"He's developing areas of his game that we discussed, that he agreed, and that we believed could help him impact matches in a much more powerful way. His whole mindset, the way he prepares himself, the way he treats people, the way he plays the game, is just exactly what we want from an Arsenal player."
Paul Merson was among those to heavily criticise Arsenal's transfer window and their purchase of Odegaard, but admits he harshly judged the Norwegian. "Odegaard has proved me wrong and is becoming the leader Arsenal need to pass their toughest test yet," he told the Daily Star. "He is the main man there now and the first name on the teamsheet for me. He has really improved and is doing the business. I think the players respect him because they can see he’s a real player. I didn’t see it at first, I have to admit.
"It looked like he didn’t really want to leave Real Madrid, and I didn’t think he pulled up any trees on his loan spell at Arsenal. He could have sulked and lost his confidence when Madrid didn’t want him any more, but he’s playing better than ever now. He’s Arsenal’s go-to man and he makes them tick."
