“He’s like a magician—what he does with his feet is pure magic and wonder. Right now, everyone in our dressing room is scared of him. His football intelligence is simply out of this world,” PSG star Achraf Hakimi says, naming the one Arsenal player he fears facing again after witnessing what he did to Real Madrid. And no—it’s not Saka or Declan Rice!

As Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) gear up for their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, anticipation is building—and so is the respect for the North London side, even from their biggest rivals. One of the most surprising acknowledgments came from PSG’s star right-back, Achraf Hakimi, who openly praised a certain Arsenal player that has the whole PSG squad wary.

In a recent press conference, Hakimi expressed deep admiration for Martin Ødegaard, describing the Arsenal captain in glowing terms. “He’s a magician,” Hakimi remarked. “The way he controls the game is almost supernatural. Our entire dressing room is currently wary of him. His intelligence on the pitch is simply on another level.”

While fans expected Hakimi to refer to Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice, two of Arsenal’s most high-profile players, it turns out it’s Ødegaard who has captured PSG’s full attention.

His recent performance, particularly against Real Madrid, left a lasting impression. Ødegaard orchestrated the game with remarkable vision, precise passing, and intelligent movement—qualities that left even the most seasoned defenders scrambling.

Hakimi continued his praise by noting, “You try to press him, and he’s already made the next move. He reads the game so far ahead—it’s honestly frightening.”

Hakimi isn’t the only PSG player voicing concern. French winger Ousmane Dembélé also had glowing remarks about Ødegaard, stating, “The way he dictated the pace and found space where it seemed impossible—it was incredible.”

Martin Ødegaard, once a young talent struggling to find his place at Real Madrid, has blossomed into one of Europe’s finest midfielders under Mikel Arteta’s guidance at Arsenal. His calmness under pressure, tactical intelligence, and consistent performances have made him a central figure in Arsenal’s impressive European campaign this season.

As Arsenal and PSG prepare to battle it out in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final, much of the spotlight will fall on Ødegaard. The respect he’s receiving from top-tier opponents is a testament to his evolution and importance.

Should he deliver another standout display, Arsenal fans may dare to dream of reaching the Champions League final in Istanbul—and possibly lifting the trophy for the very first time.

One thing is clear: Martin Ødegaard isn’t just earning praise—he’s instilling fear in Europe’s elite.