William Saliba Names Arsenal Star “Top 3” in the World After Sporting Win

• Arsenal defender William Saliba has called his teammate Martin Odegaard a "top three" midfielder in the world
• The 25-year-old has missed most of the 2024/25 season, but his return has given the Gunners a massive boost
• Odegaard has registered an assist in his last three matches and will play a role in Arsenal's title challenge

William Saliba has called his Arsenal teammate Martin Odegaard a "top three" midfielder in the world.

The Norwegian's return has coincided with the Gunners' upturn in form after a difficult period in which they suffered two Premier League defeats.

The Gunners have registered two important wins in England and Europe and are entering the busy period with good momentum.

Martin Odegaard's 2024/25 season

Odegaard injured his ankle early in the season and had to miss 12 matches. Arsenal felt his absence, especially in the Premier League.

In the seven league games he missed, Arsenal won two, lost two, and drew three. Those slip-ups dealt the Gunners an early-season blow.

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They are now fourth in the table with 22 points after 12 games, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

Odegaard has registered an assist in every game since he returned from injury and will play a vital role in Arsenal's title challenge this season, per Transfermarkt.

Saliba showers Odegaard with praise

While reflecting on Arsenal's emphatic 5-1 win over Sporting CP in the Champions League, the French defender is delighted to have made 100 appearances for the Gunners.

“I’m very proud, I hope I will have more games with this amazing club, I have to keep going but of course 100 games here is amazing," he told the Arsenal's website.

Saliba, who is also one of the best defenders in the English top flight, called Odegaard one of the best midfielders in the world, perhaps top three.

“I think he’s one of the best midfielders in the world and we are so happy to have him back...He’s top three [in the world]. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but I think top three. I love this guy. He worked hard at the training ground so I’m not surprised."

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Arsenal will need Odegaard to stay healthy for the rest of the season if they want to win the league. Last season, the 25-year-old played all but three league matches in Arsenal's second-place finish.

Sporting fans launch fireworks at Arsenal

Briefly News earlier reported that Sporting CP fans set off fireworks over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

When the Gunners took a commanding lead, fans set off smoke bombs, flares, and fireworks to intimidate their opponents.

Source: TUKO.co.ke