Martin Keown Names Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard as Premier League’s Most Important Player

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has revealed who he believes is the most important player in the English Premier League: Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

The Premier League boasts top talents like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, making it the most-watched football league in the world. However, Keown thinks Odegaard’s impact is unmatched, even if he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves.

Speaking to talkSPORT after Arsenal’s 5-2 victory over West Ham, Keown highlighted Odegaard’s impressive contributions. The Norwegian midfielder has created 102 chances this season—more than any other player—and recovered possession 41 times in the final third.

Keown also noted that Arsenal’s performance dips without Odegaard. Both of their Premier League losses this season happened while he was sidelined with an injury.

“To come back after six weeks out and perform the way he did shows his dedication. We’d become predictable without him,” Keown said.

Odegaard’s playmaking skills and work rate make him vital to Arsenal’s success, cementing his place as one of the league’s most influential players.