The Gunners have been in fantastic form this season and sit top of the league (Picture: Getty)

John Barnes has claimed that one of Arsenal’s best players would have flopped had he moved to Manchester United.

The Gunners have been in fantastic form this season and sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table having won 14 of their 17 games, losing once.

Mikel Arteta’s side missed out on the top four last season after a late collapse but look a different beast this time around having strengthened in the summer.

But it is not just Arsenal’s new players who have impressed with a number of older faces taking their game to the next level in the current campaign.

One of Arsenal’s most impressive players so far this season has been captain Martin Odegaard, who has registered seven goals and five assists this term.

The 24-year-old Norway international midfielder first arrived at the Emirates in 2020-21 on loan from Real Madrid before signing permanently for 2021–22.

Former Liverpool man Barnes feels Odegaard would have struggled had he moved to United instead of Arsenal.

Martin Odegaard has registered seven goals and five assists this term (Picture: Getty)

‘If he went to Manchester United for example I don’t think he would do as well,’ Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

‘Mikel Arteta has implemented a style of play which suits him. The way the team plays now suits him. The fans support him also. 

‘He went to Real Madrid as a 15-year-old so we know he’s a fantastic player but he’s now found a brand of football that suits him as well as the right position and coach.

He’s a good character and their captain. He’s leading the team well. He’s very good technically. He plays behind the front man and plays one and two touch passes.

‘A player who is comfortable in taking the ball in tight positions and interlinking with his team-mates.

‘He’s not going to get the ball and dribble around ten players because he’s not that physical but he has the right intelligence to play the way Arsenal need him to.’

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‘I don’t think he would do as well…’