Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas feels James Maddison is better than Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard.
Jermaine Jenas has had his say on the comparison of Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing James Maddison and Arsenal’s skipper Martin Odegaard. Both the attacking midfielders have been on fire in the 2023-24 season and both are equally important to their respective north London clubs. But, Jenas feels Maddison is the better out of the two.
It has been almost three weeks since the north London derby ended all square. Both teams are flying high in the ongoing season and all eyes were set on the derby. But, neither team managed to claim all three points as it ended 2-2.
At this point in time, both rival clubs are at the very top of the Premier League. Both Arsenal and Spurs have managed to claim 20 points in their eight outings and they have the same goal difference.
Spurs are at the top of the points table thanks to the 18 goals they have scored so far under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou. Meanwhile, the Gunners are second placed with 16 goals.
The incredible form of both north London clubs has a lot to do with their respective attacking midfielders. Both Odegaard and Maddison have done wonders for their teams. They have led from the front and have ensured they are in the race for the league title.
When there are two exceptional players who play in similar positions for two rival clubs, comparisons are bound to happen. And, ever since Maddison made the move to Tottenham, he has often been compared with Odegaard. While many believe the Arsenal skipper is better, Jenas has different ideas.
The former Spurs midfield said while talking on TNT Sports: “I was having this argument recently with an Arsenal fan, not even an argument just a discussion about Odegaard and James Maddison, and the guy was like ‘you would always take Odegaard over Maddison’, and I was like ‘why’. I’m not convinced by it personally. Odegaard is a special talent, so is James Maddison, but it’s about how he’s transformed a team on his own,” Jenas said.
“That’s the biggest fear for Spurs, his fitness and maintaining that all year. If you take him out of that team it’s totally different. He’s a top-class talent on the verge of being a world-class talent as soon as he gets on that stage.”
Jenas is not convinced by the idea that Odegaard is a better player than the 26-year-old England international. He feels both players are special talents but Maddison’s impact is what gets him the nod ahead of the Norwegian international.
The former Spurs midfielder feels the 26-year-old has transformed Tottenham and the main challenge will be to keep him fit for the entire season. He feels without Maddison, Spurs might not be the same team and that the England international is a top talent who is on the verge of becoming a world-class player.