Mikel Arteta has discussed the progress of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who is enjoying the best run of form of his career so far.

Odegaard joined Arsenal in January 2021, initially on loan from Real Madrid, before joining permanently that summer.

Madrid had signed him at the age of 15 in a well-publicised transfer saga, but the Norway international had failed to break into their side, instead flourishing during another loan spell with Real Sociedad.

The 24-year-old settled quickly at Arsenal, and has scored six goals with four assists already this season. Arteta named his captain midway through the campaign.

Asked about his rapid progress since joining the club, Arteta replied: “I was hoping that he could show the talent that he has. His attitude, his willingness to learn and his application is always incredible.

“And when you have those ingredients normally good things happen and Martin is in a really good moment. He is defining games, he is having a different kind of presence on the pitch and I really like what he is doing.”

However, when asked about how Odegaard could improve, Arteta had plenty to add.

“He can be much better,” Arteta replied. “I think physically he can still improve in many areas. The way he can drive with the ball and eliminate people more, his crossing, his passing range can still be better.

“Defensively he is improving every single time. And that mentality to go on the pitch and win the game and have that mentality every three days to go and do that. He is still someone who has come from a very specific development process and now he is at a place where he is a very important player.

“He is our captain and can still develop a lot.”

That specific pathway occurred during his time in the Real academy, and Arteta discussed its impact on the attacking midfielder.

“He had to leave home very very early, he had big expectations around him that he had to deal with,” said Arteta.

“When you look at his family, his agent and the people around him, it’s not a coincidence where he is.”

Arsenal currently top the league by five points over Manchester City, and next play Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

Source: dailylifeworld.com