Iconic former Arsenal star Paul Merson now believes that one player is struggling to impress without Martin Odegaard beside him.
Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard is certainly a player with the capacity to improve those around him, or at least make them look good on the pitch.
With his craft and vision, he is able to pick out the runs of his teammates, he makes space for them with his intelligent movement, and he is a leader on the pitch, organising and orchestrating the Arsenal press so that players aren’t caught out of position.
Odegaard has been described as a perfect Arsenal captain due to his work-rate and technical ability, and plenty of Mikel Arteta’s other players benefit from the Norwegian’s presence on the pitch.
Paul Merson has now suggested that Bukayo Saka may currently be struggling to produce his best for England at Euro 2024 because he does not have Odegaard to play and combine with.
Paul Merson notes diminished Bukayo Saka impact without Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard
Saka is currently in Germany, representing England at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions have had a tricky start to their tournament campaign. Whilst they are so far unbeaten, and top of their group at the time of writing, the performances in their 1-0 win over Serbia and 1-1 draw against Denmark were uninspiring to say the least.
Arsenal fans felt that Saka was something of a bright spark for England against Denmark, and he was also able to assist Jude Bellingham’s winner against Serbia. In any case though, England fans have not seen the brilliant best of the 22-year-old in the competition so far.
Merson has been far from impressed with what he’s seen from Saka, and England more generally. Speaking on Football’s Greatest, the former midfielder said: “We should be wiping the floor with these teams and we should because that means we have better players all around the pitch.
“I am starting to think now. Are these players great or are they playing with great players at their clubs? I will let you know if we win this tournament or not, because if we don’t win it, I start looking at these players and thinking ‘Saka, is it because you are playing with Odegaard?’
“Odegaard makes runs and you get time on the ball – at the moment, he is getting the ball and the defender isn’t as far away from him. Some of the time I think there is no pattern and I don’t know what they are doing in training.”
Merson’s comments have just added to the weight of media opinion which is currently building up in criticism of England.
Whilst there is no doubting that Southgate’s side have underperformed at Euro 2024 so far, Declan Rice has now called upon the press to support Saka and the rest of his England teammates.
Arteta will be hoping that Saka can start to truly dazzle on the international stage soon, and then return to Arsenal both injury-free and full of confidence.
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