“The complete footballer” – Arsenal star given huge praise after another masterclass performance

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard continues to earn rave reviews after yet another masterful performance for the Gunners against Napoli last night.

The Norway international scored the winning goal as Arsenal beat Napoli 1-0 away from home to make it five wins out of five in all competitions at the start of this season.

Having reached the Champions League final last season, Arsenal will be eager to go all the way and win it this year, and Odegaard helped them make the perfect start.

We’re truly seeing a different Odegaard this season from last year, when his form dipped considerably and he scored only one goal in all competitions.

The 27-year-old already has four to his name this term, and he’s earned big praise from someone who knows him well.

Martin Odegaard at the top of his game, says Jan Aage Fjortoft

He’s the complete footballer: vision, intelligence, work…

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft ?? (@JanAageFjortoft) September 10, 2026

I’ve had the privilege of watching Martin Ødegaard up close since he was 15 years old, and I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever seen him play better than he has during this World Cup and the opening games of this season.

He’s the complete footballer: vision, intelligence, work…

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft ?? (@JanAageFjortoft) September 10, 2026

“I’ve had the privilege of watching Martin Ødegaard up close since he was 15 years old, and I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever seen him play better than he has during this World Cup and the opening games of this season,” Fjortoft said.

“He’s the complete footballer: vision, intelligence, work rate, leadership, and an incredible understanding of the game. But what stands out most is how much he still plays with joy. Right now, he’s at the peak of his powers.”

This is high praise indeed, and it’s certainly a view that’s bound to be shared by Arsenal fans and neutrals alike.

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Martin Odegaard can be like a new signing for Arsenal

Arsenal targeted some big names in attack this summer but ultimately missed out on the likes of Vinicius Junior, Morgan Rogers, and Julian Alvarez.

Martin Odegaard has impressed Paul Merson at the start of this season ? pic.twitter.com/b6c5ZspCWD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 9, 2026

“Odegaard is back to what he was two years ago, like a £100m signing” ?

Martin Odegaard has impressed Paul Merson at the start of this season ? pic.twitter.com/b6c5ZspCWD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 9, 2026

If Odegaard can maintain this kind of form and become someone capable of contributing double figures from midfield again, as he did in 2022/23 and 2023/24, then we will surely see a very different Arsenal this season.

The north London giants had to scrap for their Premier League title win last term as their attack didn’t always click, but if they continue to see an improvement from the likes of Odegaard and Kai Havertz then they can surely go one step further and finally win the Champions League.