Rio Ferdinand has crowned Martin Odegaard as his Premier League player of the season, provided Erling Haaland doesn't rediscover his golden touch.
Odegaard is in his first season as captain at Arsenal, leading them on a surprise title charge. The Gunners currently sit eight points clear of second-place Manchester City, having lost just one game all season.
At the heart of their success has been their new captain, who has starred in central midfield. He scored the second goal in their win over Tottenham in the North London derby on Sunday, his eighth strike of the campaign.
The Norwegian's performances mean that he is one of the frontrunners to be named player of the season come the end of the campaign. And Ferdinand is ready to crown the 24-year-old now, having been left impressed by his journey from struggling at Real Madrid to leading the Gunner.
"Odegaard is nuts. Do you know what I like about Odegaard is his journey. He was a child superstar at 16, bought by Real Madrid, everyone was saying this kid's the next. He might not be the guy he is now without that part of his history," Ferdinand told Vibe with Five.
"There's been trials and tribulations, expectations have been through the roof. And all of a sudden he's had to humble himself, go on loan.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who would be your Premier League player of the season? Comment below.
"For a player to go on loan at a much less stature of club with pride and ego, you have to humble yourself, come back, build yourself up then go to Arsenal, take the captaincy and run with it.
"I’d go as far as to say right now, he’s probably my player of the year. Haaland’s has done what he’s done, he has been great, don’t get me wrong. If Haaland eases up with the goals and Arsenal win the league and Odegaard continues, he’s my player of the year."
Odegaard will face strong competition from Haaland for the honor though, with his countryman having scored an astonishing 21 goals in just 17 games. And while Odegaard starred against Tottenham in Arsenal's win at the weekend, Haaland struggled to get involved as City lost to Manchester United.
The striker had just one shot on target during the 90 minutes as the Red Devils secured a comeback win. Odegaard meanwhile once again impressed, with boss Mikel Arteta hailing his performance.
"Terrific. Especially in the first half, I think he was incredible," the Arsenal boss said when asked about his captain's display.
"He’s really showing a different kind of presence, the way he’s influencing the game, just the feeling, the way he moves, what he transmits on the pitch is different and today to do what he’s done here, it’s a big credit to him.
"This has a big emotional attachment because there is a big history between the two clubs and it means so much for us and our people to win this game. That is a great position to be in and let's enjoy every single moment and let's keep focusing."
