Arteta has unlocked Arsenal's own David Silva amid Football Manager comparison

Micah Richards has likened Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard to former Manchester City playmaker David Silva following his fine form in the Gunners' rise to the top of the Premier League

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has compared Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard to Spanish playmaker David Silva.

Odegaard initially joined the Gunners on loan for six months back in January 2021 before eventually signing on a permanent deal a few months later and he has never looked back since, establishing himself as one of the first names on Mikel Arteta's teamsheet. The 24-year-old, who is now the club's captain, has got even better this season, registering an impressive nine goals and six assists in the Premier League this term to help catapult his side to first in the league table with just 12 games to go.

Now, Richards has likened former City teammate Silva to the Norwegian international whilst also using an analogy of the game Football Manager in the process. "I love Odegaard's journey and the way he has put his career back on track", he wrote for BBC Sport.

"He was big news when he joined Real Madrid aged 16 but then things seemed to drift and I was wondering if he would ever realise his potential. Odegaard was 22 when he joined Arsenal on loan from Real in 2021 and you only get so many chances at big clubs.

"I wasn't sure whether he would take off, or fade away. There are plenty of examples of talented teenagers who don't quite live up to the hype. I always think of a player called Sergio Canales who I used to buy on the Football Manager game all the time."

Richards continued: "For Odegaard to turn things around for himself like this is impressive, especially in one of the world's most competitive leagues, and then to take the responsibility of captaincy to inspire his team too.

"He has taken the challenge on and has helped turn Arsenal into title contenders, as the driving force in their midfield.

"Odegaard reminds me of my old City team-mate David Silva in the way he wants to get into pockets of space, get on the ball and dictate play. He does it all so effortlessly too, and I love watching him play."