Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Arsenal star after Olympiacos victory

Arteta’s praise for Odegaard highlights Arsenal captain’s influence

Arsenal captain back to his best

Arsenal’s return to European action brought a commanding 2-0 victory over Olympiacos, and with it a reminder of just how integral Martin Odegaard remains to Mikel Arteta’s vision. After weeks disrupted by a shoulder problem, the Norwegian was restored to the starting line-up and orchestrated proceedings with intelligence, energy and class.

Photo IMAGO

Arteta was unequivocal in his assessment. “He’s got all the licence in the world to go forward, Martin, and to play with that freedom, and to play with that level of threat,” the Arsenal manager said. His captain provided the assist for the second goal, and throughout the evening dictated the tempo in a manner that underlined his authority.

Arteta’s detailed praise

The Arsenal boss was effusive about more than just numbers. “Especially, not only with the passes, but the way he was taking the ball, carrying the ball, making runs and arriving in really dangerous areas,” he explained. “I think he put three people through today to score a goal. He should have scored a goal as well. So, great to have him back.”

Photo IMAGO

Arteta added: “That creativity is part of his nature. It doesn’t bring any pressure to him because it’s his best ability to generate things that not a lot of players can do. He has total freedom from my side to do and to explore and to take risks and to feel the movement and where he needs to be to generate those spaces. I think he’s certainly done that in the last two games.”

Odegaard’s direct impact

In the first half Odegaard threaded a perfectly weighted ball into Viktor Gyokeres, whose shot hit the post before Gabriel Martinelli converted the rebound. It was a reminder of how Odegaard’s vision allows Arsenal to release their forwards at speed, creating chances where other players might simply recycle possession.

Importance to Arsenal’s season

Arteta made the point that Odegaard’s understanding of his team-mates is essential to how Arsenal play. “I think we have to play to his qualities, and when we have a front three with that pace as well, with those timings in the runs, players can activate and we have to do that 100 per cent,” he said. “He did it in Newcastle, he went a few times in 15 minutes, and that’s a game that I want from him.”

For Arsenal, Odegaard’s return represents more than just another player regaining fitness. It is the restoration of their captain’s rhythm and their creative heartbeat at the moment the season begins to sharpen.