Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has claimed that he feels sorry for Martin Odegaard after Arsenal defeated Newcastle United 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
The north Londoners became just the second visiting team to win at St James' Park this season thanks to a first-half finish from Odegaard before Fabian Schar's own goal sealed the three points for Mikel Arteta's side. It was the 15th goal that the Norwegian international scored in the Premier League this term, a hugely impressive record when you consider that none of the central midfielder's strikes have come from the penalty spot.
Now, Sky Sports pundit Richards has admitted that he feels sorry for the Gunners captain, declaring that he would be nailed-on to win the Premier League Player of the Year award were it not for Manchester City striker and fellow Norwegian Erling Haaland.
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"It's a strange thing to have sympathy for someone after you have watched them light up your Sunday but that was my first feeling for Martin Odegaard. If it hadn't been for Erling Haaland, Arsenal's captain would be odds-on for Player of the Year", he wrote for the Daily Mail.
"He reminds me of David Silva in so many ways, with his quiet authority and leadership. You wouldn't know David was in a room sometimes, but on the pitch he made you follow him through his brilliance and that is what Odegaard is doing — 15 goals from midfield (and not one penalty) is just exceptional.
"There was a time when, to be a captain, you needed to have the loudest voice and the biggest personality but that has all changed. Steven Gerrard at England didn't scream and shout but you watched him at close range and couldn't help but be inspired. Arsenal's business in getting Odegaard on loan, restoring his confidence and then buying him outright was a masterstroke.
"He's going to get even better."
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