Former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke has omitted Martin Odegaard from a Premier League Team of the Season for another Gooner.
The Norwegian international once again showed why he is one of the best midfielder’s in the world this year as Odegaard led Arsenal in their Premier League title bid against Manchester City, coming short by two points.
Recently hailed by Eden Hazard as Norway’s best player, Odegaard’s 11 goals and 11 assists in all competitions were viral for Arsenal, with the 25-year-old also selected as one of our players of the season.
Yet for Clarke, one Arsenal player has been slightly better than Odegaard this year.
Declan Rice picked in unique Premier League Team of the Season
Writing for the Premier League’s official website, Clarke named Declan Rice in a unique Team of the Season that only allowed one player per club, with Odegaard snubbed for the England international.
Praised by Ian Wright as Arsenal’s most underrated player this season, Rice has been a revelation for the Gunners having joined for a club-record fee last summer, and it’s easy to see why the midfielder was named in this XI over captain Odeaagrd.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height
Clarke wrote: “Arsenal fans believe they got their record signing “half price” and I wouldn’t disagree. He was an immense presence all season, adding an extra layer of defensive protection AND acting as a driving force whenever the Gunners attacked.
“Rice is a sensational all-round midfielder, who seems to do everything extremely well. It was tough to leave Martin Odegaard out, but others in his position were also amazing.”
Odegaard and Rice are ready to become Arsenal legends
Odegaard and Rice were arguably the best midfielders in the Premier League this season as Arsenal came as close as they have done in 20 years to lifting the English championship.
And with the pair only 25-years-old, there’s a real chance that the duo can one day become legends at Arsenal, with Odegaard the best captain the Gunners have had in years as Rice has proven to be a bargain signing at £105m.
Indeed, the two midfield superstars will be key again next season in Arsenal’s quest to finally win the Premier League, and in doing so, Odegaard and Rice will be granted legend status already in north London.