Okocha snubbed as Gabriel Jesus and Odegaard pick Coutinho and Ben Arfa for all-time 'most skillful' Premier League five-aside

Arsenal stars Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard have caused a stir after snubbing some Premier League greats like Jay Jay Okocha and Cristiano Ronaldo in their selections of players for their five-aside team. 

The criteria for selection was a five-aside for the most skillfull players in the league’s history, making the omission of Okocha and Ronaldo, who were both available for selection, even more baffling since both players considered picking Arsenal teammate William Saliba but never considered the Nigerian or Portuguese legends. 

Gabriel Jesus picked Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, Ex-Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara, former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder Phillipe Coutinho, and Odegaard on his team. 

Current Arsenal captain Odegaard, went for Gunners’ legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Berkgamp, as well as former Manchester United star Paul Pogba, former Newcastle attacker Ben Afra, and saved his final pick for Gabriel Jesus. 

Nigerian attacking midfielder, Okocha, showcased extraordinary skill and flair during his four-year spell in the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers from 2002 to 2006. His dribbling prowess and close ball control allowed him to navigate through defenses effortlessly, leaving defenders bewildered. Okocha's audacious style of play, marked by tricks, flicks, and moments of magic, made him a beloved figure among fans.

He was renowned for scoring spectacular goals from long-range, combining power and technique to beat goalkeepers. As an attacking midfielder, Okocha exhibited exceptional vision and creativity, contributing key passes and orchestrating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. 

Beyond his technical abilities, Okocha brought a sense of showmanship to the Premier League. His joyful and exuberant style of play, coupled with charismatic performances, endeared him to football enthusiasts globally. Okocha's impact at Bolton Wanderers left an enduring legacy, and he is celebrated as one of the most skillful and entertaining players to have graced the English top flight, making his omission by the Arsenal pair quite shocking. .