Martin Odegaard has claimed that Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka make his game ‘so much easier’ following Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Leicester on Sunday at the Emirates, as he told Sky Sports Premier League.
The Arsenal playmaker was awarded the Man of the Match award, with the Norway international putting the praise on the whole team being able to ‘shine’ as a result of their midfield duo.
It’s nine wins out of 11 for Arsenal and they aren’t just sitting in that fourth spot right now, but they are taking charge of it.
Whilst a lot of the talk is about the attacking players Arsenal can pick from, and their young guns flying high, perhaps the underrated part of their game is the midfield.
And it’s something Odegaard was keen to highlight when he was asked about his own form following the win over Leicester.
“I am in good shape,” said Odegaard. “But I think I am in good shape and the team is performing well. It makes it easier for us players.
“You see Thomas (Partey) and Granit (Xhaka), the job they do and it makes it so much easier for me in the middle. We are strong as a team, which is most important, then it’s easier for everyone to shine.”
Someone like Xhaka has been going under the radar this campaign, after a number of questionable seasons from the ex-captain.
Last summer, the hard-hitting midfielder could have left the north London club, after well-documented interest from Jose Mourinho and Roma.
He did pen down a new contract at the start of this season, but was that because Arsenal wanted to keep him on? Or was it just protecting his long-term value?
One thing is for sure, they have done the latter and it will be interesting to see how those in the boardroom react if somebody comes knocking for Xhaka’s services again when the transfer window re-opens.
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