Manchester City legend Yaya Touré has revealed his deep admiration for Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, identifying the Norwegian playmaker as a vital component of the Gunners’ tactical machinery. Speaking on Sky Sports following Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, March 1, 2026, Touré highlighted the midfielder’s unique spatial awareness as a primary factor in the club’s current title charge. The former Ivory Coast international noted that Ødegaard’s absence was noticeable despite the win, suggesting his ability to connect play remains peerless in the current Premier League landscape.
The London derby at the Emirates saw Mikel Arteta’s side prevail through headers from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, though they were forced to navigate the contest without their skipper. Ødegaard was sidelined due to a persistent knee issue, a setback that first emerged during a recent draw with Brentford. Although the 26-year-old made a brief cameo against Tottenham last week, Arteta opted for caution on Sunday, leaving the midfielder out of the matchday squad entirely to prevent further aggravation of the injury.
“Martin Odegaard is a brilliant player, and for me, he is a huge miss for Arsenal. He plays between the lines and moves very well, I love this type of player.”
Touré’s praise centers on the “No. 10” role that Ødegaard has perfected, specifically his knack for operating in congested areas to unlock deep-sitting defenses. In his absence, Eberechi Eze assumed the creative responsibilities as Arsenal restored their five-point cushion at the summit of the table. However, Touré insisted that while the squad has found ways to win, the aesthetic and fluid nature of their attacking play is intrinsically tied to the captain’s vision and technical execution.
As the Gunners prepare for a quick turnaround with a trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton this Wednesday, the medical team remains focused on Ødegaard’s recovery. While the club’s depth has improved significantly over the 2025/26 campaign, the uncertainty regarding his return date looms over the final stretch of the season. For now, the North Londoners must continue their pursuit of the trophy while Touré’s “brilliant” standout works to regain full fitness for the decisive months ahead.
