Bruno Fernandes is a better creative player than Martin Odegaard and would start in Arsenal’s midfield three.
That is the opinion of ex-Liverpool star Danny Murphy, who believes the Manchester United skipper has ‘got the edge’ over the Gunners skipper.
United captain Fernandes is one of the top midfielders in the Premier LeagueGetty
Both players are widely regarded as two of the best playmakers not only in the Premier League, but in Europe.
Since joining the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, Fernandes has chipped in with 54 goals and 42 assists in 163 top-flight matches.
Whereas Odegaard, who linked up with Arsenal on an initial loan deal from Real Madrid the following winter transfer window, boasts 31 goals and 23 assists from 125 Premier League outings.
And it is Fernandes‘ attacking prowess that has left Murphy stating he would start the Portuguese midfielder ahead of Odegaard.
That is despite the 47-year-old insisting there is not much difference between the two players, while conceding Odegaard is better defensively.
Despite the stats being in Fernandes’ favour, it is Odegaard who has been named in the PFA Team of the Year in each of the last two seasons.
Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Murphy was asked by co-host Andy Goldstein who he rates more out of the duo.
To which he said: “It’s just preference. Mine would depend on who else is in the team, that’s how close it is.
“For example, if you had Declan Rice and [Thomas] Partey behind Fernandes, I’d probably go Fernandes.”
Pressed whether that means he’d start Fernandes over Odegaard in Arsenal’s current midfield, Murphy remarked: “It’s a close one.
Arsenal skipper Odegaard has dazzled since making the move to the Emirates from Real MadridGetty
Fernandes, who has played in England one year longer than Odegaard, boasts more goal involvements in the Premier League
“I think Bruno will score you more goals, but Odegaard scores as well. Do you know what? I’d be happy with either.
“The one thing Odegaard gives you that Bruno doesn’t is better defensive work, Odegaard is better defensively than Bruno.
“So I think [Mikel] Arteta would pick Odegaard ahead of Bruno even if he had Bruno.
“But for me, I think Bruno has probably just about got the edge on creativity.
“I’m thinking I wouldn’t need his defensive work if I’ve got two brilliant holding midfielders if I played that way, but there’s not much in it.”
In a huge blow for Gooners, Odegaard is currently sidelined with an ankle knock, which Arteta has confirmed is a ‘significant’ injury.
No timeframe has been given on his return, with the Norway international to miss Sunday’s crunch clash away at title rivals Manchester City.
