William Saliba has praised Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, calling him one of the top three players in the world following the Gunners’ commanding 5-1 win over Sporting CP. Ødegaard continued his stellar form, contributing an assist in his third consecutive match since returning from injury.
Arsenal struggled after losing Ødegaard to injury in September, but since his return, the team has remained unbeaten in the three games he’s started. Saliba expressed his joy at Ødegaard’s comeback, saying, “It is a bit different when Ødegaard is fit as he is one of the best players in the world. We are so happy to have him back. We are better with him, and I hope he doesn’t get injured again. We have to enjoy playing with him. You can see we are better with him.”
Saliba went on to praise Ødegaard’s professionalism, acknowledging the effort he put in to return at such a high level. “He is a top professional, so he worked hard at the training ground. I’m not surprised that he came back like this, but it is not easy when you haven’t played for weeks to come back at this level.”
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The French defender took his admiration a step further, calling Ødegaard one of the world’s best players, saying, “Top three! I don’t want to pressure him too much. I think top three. I love this guy.”
Saliba named Kevin De Bruyne and Declan Rice as the only midfielders who could rival Ødegaard for the title of the world’s best midfielder.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also highlighted Ødegaard’s importance to the team, acknowledging the struggles the side faced during their injury crisis earlier in the season. Arteta noted the impact of Ødegaard’s return, along with other key players like Rice, Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Riccardo Calafiori, who have since recovered.