I don't think that many people were all that fussed by Beundia anyway save for a couple who were really big on him.

The big debate was Maddison vs Ode and I have to admit on being on the wrong side of that one and that's even if you ignore that he cost less than half the amount of the former. Not that Maddison isn't also very good, but it's no contest anymore, the latter is one of those very rare footballers that do not come around very often, and when they do (Modric, Silva etc.) they end up being very influential in winning sides.

    goon I don't think that many people were all that fussed by Beundia anyway save for a couple who were really big on him.

    True. Think more the reason for some being upset was because it seemed like Buendia was our first choice at the start of the summer especially after that early bid, and in the end we lost out, making it seem we might not get someone else in. Thank fuck we did miss out on him though because I'm not sure we'd have gotten Ode if we signed Buendia.

    One of the good things about this regime has been patience in the transfer market. We no longer just grab guys cos we can. We are willing to wait and spend big on the guys we want. Much less unnecessary recycling of talent. I think Willian is the one big debacle but he is also pre reset.

    Claudius KDB is at alien levels currently. he seems to be following the bergkamp trajectory where his technical quality and in-game intuition goes to another level as his physical abilities start to wane

    as for ode, love him. I understand why there were some niggling doubts about whether he could be a player that takes things by the scruff, but the way he played against the hammers showed how diligently he's been working during the break. he led the team beautifully

      I never saw him that way either, but I'm starting to see him do things that suggest he might have some more strings to his bow as he gets a bit older

      Gazza M but the way he played against the hammers

      tbf he loves playing against them. His best game for us in his loan spell was against them as well.

      Clrnc

      Bergkamp and Zidane were more elegant players, but KDB's vision and passing ability is unmatched. It's not even close. And that is coming from someone who absolutely loved both Zidane and Bergkamp.

        Mikel says he needs to improve physically. I never realised how scrawny he was. 178cm and 70kg? Has to rely too much on technical ability to hold onto the ball.

          Kel Varnsen DB10's vision was special, specifically in shorter distances like when he fed Freddie against Juve at home.

          That type of pass was the Bergkamp Special to me.

          But KDB is more complete and can create from all distances and angles. Agree with @Clrnc that he's mechanical though, but many modern players are.

            banduan that isn't too bad tbh
            I'm 188 and weighed 63kg when I was 22/23. He'll bulk up or get fatter as he ages haha.

            Really finding consistency at a high level now.

            • est likes this.

            Phenomenal tonight. There was a moment at the start of the 2nd half where he sucked three Brighton players into a press, avoided them and switched the play in Messi like fashion.

            He’s playing at a level we’ve rarely seen at Arsenal in 20 odd years.

              Keep watching that Odegaard goal on replay. What a fucking finish. Unbelievable really.

              James Your last sentence nailed it for me.

              In the grand scheme of things, a performance against Brighton may get lost in the dozens of games we play but Ode reached a world class level tonight. One of the best performances I’ve seen in a long time from an Arsenal player

              Only regret is Martinelli not finishing that attempted assist from Odegaard. It was a shame. Unfortunate such world class moments can get forgotten.

              Wenger on Odegaard:

              'It was difficult [trying to convince Odegaard to sign for Arsenal].'

              ‘I talked to him when he was 15-years-old. I actually spoke with him about it after the game on Boxing Day.'

              ‘I was desperate to sign him. Luckily he is here now. He is really like a young Cesc Fabregas. I think he has developed to become a complete player.'

              ‘He is complete. I like him in every way in the game. Defensively and offensively.'

              ‘He makes decisions quickly, and always optimally. It is remarkable! I like him, and the way he makes football look easy.'

              []https://metro.co.uk/2022/12/31/arsene-wenger-lauds-martin-odegaard-and-compares-him-to-ex-arsenal-man-18018842/https://)