Martin Odegaard admits Arsenal star can get ‘a lot better’ in ‘many’ areas

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Arsenal star Martin Odegaard admits he can get ‘a lot better’ in ‘many’ areas. Even though the Gunners captain believes he has reached another level with his form so far this season.

The 24-year-old is among the architects of Arsenal’s surprise push to win a Premier League title this term. It is now 19 years since Arsene Wenger led the north London giants to their last top-flight title. But Mikel Arteta now has them sat five points clear of Manchester City.

Arteta has started Odegaard in 19 of Arsenal’s 20 fixtures so far this term during his debut season as skipper. The Spaniard was only without the midfielder for their trip to Brentford in September. He suffered a calf injury in training which kept the maestro out of a 3-0 win.

Odegaard is instrumental to the style Arsenal play and has taken up a leading role in their title charge. No player at Emirates Stadium has outscored the Norway captain with eight goals to date. He also only ranks second to Bukayo Saka (7 in 20) for assists (6 in 19), too.

His performances are more than meriting Arteta’s decision to name Odegaard as Arsenal’s captain last summer. The 47-cap playmaker had only secured a permanent move one year earlier following an initial loan spell. He left Real Madrid for £34m on a contract until 2025.

Odegaard believes he can still get ‘a lot better’ despite his importance at Arsenal

Yet, despite being Arsenal’s top scorer and second-best creator in the Premier League this season, Odegaard believes he still has even more to come. The Drammen native refuses to sit still amid confidence in reaching a higher level and becoming a crucial cog in their team.

“I feel like I have taken another step,” Odegaard has told The Telegraph. “In terms of goals, assists and being more important for the team.

“I think I can influence the game in more ways now – not just with the ball, but in other areas. I am happy where I am but I know I can get a lot better at many things.”

Odegaard produced one of his poorest performances so far this term as Arsenal lost away to Everton last Saturday. He often cut an anonymous presence before the break and could not help Arteta’s side establish control. He also sent his best shot of the day over the bar.