Alright, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and let’s get into it. I got an email the other day asking the big question: Who’s the best creative midfielder—Martin Odegaard, Bruno Fernandes, or Kevin De Bruyne? I’m pretty sure this is one of those questions that divides friend groups, causes rifts in families, and might even have started a war or two. These are fighting words in the footballing world, so let’s go to battle.
What They’re Saying 🔊
The opinions on who the better player was are as diverse as the football fanbase itself. Here are some thoughts from fans who have seen both players at their peak.
🗣 Chino: “Lil bro asked, "Who's Bruno Fernandes?" I said..."The midfielder De Bruyne, Odegaard, and Palmer take notes from."
🗣 De Bruyne: “I think Bruno is a creative machine, in general,"
🗣 UTDTrey: “I’ll never forgive you guys for adding Odegaard to the Bruno and De Bruyne debate. The disrespect”
🗣 UTDDice: “Bruno Fernandes is better than De Bruyne, Odegaard, Enzo Fernandez, Bellingham, Pedri and Mac Allister”
Martin Odegaard: The Aesthetic Wizard: 🇳🇴🏹
Every time he touches the ball, it’s like someone set the slow-motion filter to “poetry mode.” His dribbling in tight spaces? It’s basically a magic trick, except this isn’t Vegas, and he’s not charging $80 a ticket.
Here’s the thing: If you’re looking for raw stats, Odegaard’s not going to blow your mind. He’s got 66 goals in 374 games. Yeah, not exactly GOAT-level scoring. But if you’re into football as an art form—Odegaard is your Picasso. His 68 assists aren’t just passes—they’re precision-guided works of footballing beauty.
Bruno Fernandes: The Over-Caffeinated Risk-Taker: 🇵🇹👨🔧
Bruno’s entire playing style can be summed up in two words: “Why not?” Why not try a 40-yard through ball that has a 5% chance of coming off? Why not blast a shot from the halfway line? And why not scream at his teammates while he’s doing it?
If we’re talking raw numbers, Bruno is a stat-padding machine. 171 goals in 551 games—I mean, come on. This guy’s a walking heat check. And he’s not just about goals. His 141 assists in those games make him the kind of player who will either win you the game or have you pulling your hair out.
Oh, and those 98 big chances in the EPL? They come with a price—Bruno’s the type who can create brilliance or chaos, often in the same game. You never know which Bruno you’re going to get— And frankly, that’s half the fun.
Kevin De Bruyne: The Mastermind: 🇧🇪🧠
What makes De Bruyne truly special is the way he balances ambition with purpose. Every pass, every run, every shot seems to have a specific intention behind it.
De Bruyne’s stats tell a story of consistent excellence. With 150 club goals in 619 appearances (0.24 goals per game), he may not match Bruno’s goal rate, but his contribution as a creator is unrivaled
His 255 assists make him the gold standard for playmakers, and in the EPL, he has crafted an incredible 187 big chances in just 265 games—making him arguably the most influential midfielder in England’s top flight ever.
The Total Package: Career Comparisons: 📶📊
I think you already know the answer, but let's look at the total career numbers to make it official:
👉Kevin De Bruyne: 726 games, 180 goals, 305 assists.
👉Bruno Fernandes: 627 games, 196 goals, 163 assists.
👉Martin Odegaard: 435 games, 69 goals, 79 assists
De Bruyne’s stats are the stuff of legends—300+ assists in a career isn’t something you stumble upon. Bruno’s 196 goals make him a unique hybrid, and Odegaard, despite his fewer numbers, is just getting started at 25. It’s not the fairest fight in terms of experience, but it’s still a testament to each player’s unique strengths.
Trophies & Awards: 🏆🥇
His individual awards, a staggering 18 Player of the Season/Year recognitions, highlight his consistency and impact at the highest level. Bruno’s 6 trophies and 8 personal accolades show his rise, while Odegaard’s 2 trophies and 6 awards suggest he’s still building his legacy.
Final Verdict: Who’s the Best?🇧🇪🇵🇹🇳🇴🤔
But hey, that’s just me. The beauty of football is you don’t have to choose. You can love Bruno’s chaos, Odegaard’s beauty, and KDB’s genius all at once. Just don’t expect to come out of the debate with all your friendships intact.
_large.png)