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Former Arsenal defender Lauren believes that the club’s current captain, Martin Ødegaard, can make the Ballon d’Or podium in the future.
THE LOWDOWN: INCREASING VALUE
Lauren also believes that the 24-year-old Norwegian can become a player that commands a high transfer fee like the world’s biggest stars.
One of the bastions of Mikel Arteta’s new and improved Arsenal side, Martin Ødegaard is leading the charge from the front as team captain. His performances have pulled them out of many a tight spot, while his self-assured leadership has helped them face unbeatable opponents with confidence and come away with the win.
He is the man directly behind Gabriel Jesus/Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, providing them with passing options and finishing moves when they are unable to.
For this reason, Lauren, who spent the bulk of his playing career at the North London club and was a member of the extraordinary invincibles team, believes that Ødegaard will eventually match up to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and his fellow Norwegian, Erling Haaland.
THE LATEST: CAN BE BEST IN THE WORLD
Speaking to FairBettingSites, Lauren said: “Ødegaard was not a cheap player, but he has been great and still has more to show.
“If he continues to improve, he can be a £100 million or £200 million player in the future.
“I can see Ødegaard compete for the top individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or, the performances of the team are helping him to grow.
“In the future, if Arsenal win the Premier League, then perform well in the Champions League next season, I believe Ødegaard will be among the best in the world.”
Lauren also spoke about his former side’s chances of winning the Premier League this season, using their incredible comeback victory at the Emirates against a resurgent Manchester United as a focal point.
The former Cameroon left back said: “The Arsenal team have been fantastic and they showed a lot of mental strength to come back and play quality football against Manchester United.
“I’ve said before if Arsenal are able to stay top of the league by the end of January and the beginning of February, then they have a big chance to win the Premier League.”
THE VERDICT: GREAT BUT CAN EVEN BE BETTER
Before then, however, Arsenal will need to carry out some more transfer business in the January window to provide more cover for Ødegaard in the middle of the park.
Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have been superb this season, but at the moment, the club have just the two of them to count on. Fabio Vieira can provide rest for the former Real Madrid man on occasion but it is a potential disaster waiting to happen should Arteta not find a solution to their lack of depth.
In the meantime, Ødegaard will be worried about facing Manchester City in the FA Cup as they look to topple the current kings of England once and for all.
