Danny Murphy insists he would choose Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes over Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard
Bruno Fernandes is a more creative player than Martin Odegaard and would be a regular starter in Arsenal's midfield.
That's the opinion of the former Liverpool star Danny Murphywho believes the Manchester United captain has an “edge” over the Gunners captain.
Both players are widely regarded as two of the best playmakers not only in the Premier League, but in Europe.
Since I joined the Red Devils Fernandes, who joined Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, has contributed 54 goals and 42 assists in 163 top-flight appearances.
While Odegaard, who was linked with Arsenal On an initial loan deal from Real Madrid for the upcoming winter transfer window, he has 31 goals and 23 assists in 125 Premier League games.
Forks Fernandes' attacking prowess that has led Murphy to say he would start the Portuguese midfielder in place of Odegaard.
This is despite the 47-year-old insisting that there is not much difference between the two players, although he admits that… Odegaard He's 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, co-host Andy Goldstein asked Murphy who he rates most highly of the duo.
To which he replied: “It's just a matter of preference. Mine would depend on who else is on the team, that's how tight things are.”
“For example, if you had Declan Rice and (Thomas) Partey behind Fernandes, I would probably pick Fernandes.”
Asked if that means he would put Fernandes in place of Odegaard in Arsenal's current midfield, Murphy commented: “It's a tough decision.
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“I think Bruno will score more goals, but Odegaard scores too. You know what? I'd settle for either of them.”
“The only thing that Odegaard and Bruno bring you is not better defensive work, Odegaard is better defensively than Bruno.
“So I think (Mikel) Arteta would choose Odegaard over Bruno even if he had Bruno.
“But for me, I think Bruno probably has the edge in terms of creativity.
“I don't think he would need his defensive work if he had two brilliant holding midfielders if he played that way, but it doesn't make much difference.”
In a huge blow for the Gooners, Odegaard is currently sidelined with a knock to his ankle, which Arteta has confirmed is a 'significant' injury.
No timeframe has been given for his return as the Norway international is set to miss Sunday's decisive clash with title rivals Manchester City.
