Arsenal brought in Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid during the January transfer window and it’s safe to say that the midfielder has won the trust of Mikel Arteta.
After starting on the bench for the first few weeks, Odegaard has now cemented his place in the attacking midfielder’s role and speaking ahead of the Olympiacos game, Arteta seemed very content with the 22-year-old.
“I’m really happy with him,” the manager said, as quoted by the club’s official website. “I think he’s settled really, really quickly into the team and with what we demand from the players.
“His behaviour, his attitude and his work rate has been phenomenal. He’s had better moments than others to give us the special qualities he has, but overall I’m really happy with him.”
So far, Martin Odegaard has featured in six Premier League games and with Emile Smith Rowe out with an injury, the loanee should get another start for the Gunners on Thursday.
Dani Ceballos has clearly fallen down the pecking order after the arrival of Odegaard and his Real Madrid mate is going to keep him on the bench once again.
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Arsenal face Spurs in the North London derby next weekend so Mikel Arteta will have one eye on that match which is why if his side can wrap up the first leg early enough then the manager will promptly take off Martin Odegaard to keep him fresh and fit for the derby.
Emile Smith Rowe will go through a late fitness test on Wednesday to see if he is ready for the Europa League game or not. But with Martin Odegaard in more than decent form, Arteta will be in no hurry to call the youngster back into the squad.
The manager said about Smith Rowe’s fitness: “Yes, he’s close to returning and he’s going to have a full session today to see if he can be involved in tomorrow’s game. After training we will know exactly where we are with him.”
