Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised Martin Odegaard – but has stopped short of comparing him to Manchester City hero David Silva.
Odegaard shines in Arsenal win
Arsenal beat Leeds United 4-1 on Saturday night with Odegaard impressing – even if he wasn’t on the scoresheet.
Gabriel Martinelli bagged a brace with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe also on the scoresheet. Arsenal’s kids are pretty good.
Odegaard connected everything in the final third brilliantly. With five key passes, the Norwegian deserved his eventual assist for Smith Rowe.
Odegaard had a spell out of the team in October and November, but now has three goals and one assist in his last five games.
Arteta hails Odegaard but can’t agree with Silva comparison
After the final whistle at Elland Road, Arteta was asked whether Odegaard can become as good as David Silva.
Silva is one of the finest number 10’s in Premier League history and worked with Arteta at Manchester City.
When Odegaard’s loan at Real Sociedad ended, guess who replaced him? That’s right, David Silva.
Arteta told Football London that Silva is a ‘big name’ and the best number 10 of the last 20 years.
For that reason, Arteta can’t quite compare Odegaard to Silva, but feels he is improving in terms of his goal threat.
“That’s a big name. My opinion is the player is the best I’ve seen playing between the lines for the last 20 years,” said Arteta. “Martin has a big capacity to unlock situations. I’m really happy. He’s improving now in his goal threat as well. He’s very willing to become one of the best but it’s still very early,” he added.
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