Paul Merson claims Arsenal star is the ‘best midfielder’ in Premier League as he makes Kevin de Bruyne point

Paul Merson believes Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard is the best midfielder in the Premier League after the Gunners star took his goal tally for the league season to 10 on Sunday.

The Norwegian netted Arsenal’s third goal in their 3-0 victory over Fulham to make it 10 goals and seven assists in 26 league appearances this term.

Merson believes on current form that Odegaard is ahead of Man City’s Kevin de Bruyne in the midfield stakes, highlighting how the former Real Madrid man has made a bigger impact this season.

Both players have 17 Premier League goal involvements this term, with De Bruyne netting four times while providing an impressive 13 assists.

However, Arsenal currently sit in pole position to win the Premier League, as they remain five points clear of the reigning champions with just 11 games remaining.

“Martin Odegaard is the best midfielder in the Premier League,” Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column.

“He has more effect on the Arsenal team than Kevin de Bruyne has on Man City. We have to talk in moments and, in the present, Odegaard is number one without a doubt.

“I’m not saying he’s a better player than De Bruyne, but right now Odegaard’s having more of an impact.”

Arsenal are back in Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon while Man City’s home game with West Ham has been postponed with Pep Guardiola’s side in FA Cup action.