Jack Wilshere BELIEVE Martin Odegaard should start against Fulhaminsisting Arsenal are a ‘different team’ with their captain at the heart of the midfield.
The Gunners can temporarily move six points clear Manchester City on top of Premier League table with a win over Fulham on Saturday.
Mikel ArtetaHis side will be without Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, while Odegaard is a slight doubt for the game after being withdrawn in the second half against Atletico Madrid.
The Norwegian midfielder has had an injury-hit season, which has seen him only able to make 15 league appearances so far this season.
But former Arsenal midfielder Wilshere believes Odegaard should start against Fulham if he is fit, such is his importance to the team with and without the ball.
“With Arsenal, I think Odegaard is the key,” Wilshere said talk SPORTS. “He is a player who takes risks. He is a player who, even out of possession, decides everything.
“I think he’s had a few injuries this season, maybe lost a little bit of form at times. When Martin plays, it’s a different team. It’s a different team and they look braver.’
But Wilshere, who was part of Arsenal’s academy training squad under Arteta before moving to Norwich and then Luton Town, said he would like to see his former side return to a freer style of football.
“When Mikel first came in, it was to play,” he said, “There was a big focus on getting up, finding free play, and they were really, really good at it.
“I think then, as a coach and as a team, you always have to look for ways to evolve, to look for ways to change the way you’re playing a little bit, because teams will start to work you out. I thought Mikel did really well.
“I think over the last few years, there’s been a bit of a change in style, but it’s not just Arsenal either, is it? You look at City and Haaland’s behaviour, and how they played him a bit more.
“I remember playing against City in a cup final at Wembley, and then the keeper smashed it over all of us and Aguero scored. It’s been around for a while.
“Mikel has clearly thought this is the best way to win the league. They have failed over the last few years against Liverpool teams, against City teams who like to dominate the ball.
And Arsenal couldn’t do it. He clearly sees this as the way forward. Sometimes I would like to see them play a little more.’
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