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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has started the season in brilliant form and says that he is enjoying the best form of his career so far.
THE LOWDOWN: IN-FORM CAPTAIN
The Norwegian was handed the armband just before the start of the season and he continues to be a key member in the Arsenal setup. His four goal contributions in eight Premier League games have played a key role in the Gunners’ rise to the top of the table, with the 23-year-old pulling the strings from midfield.
Odegaard is on course to better his numbers from last season, and speaking before Arsenal’s Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt in his homeland, he stated that he is enjoying his best football at the moment.
THE LATEST: TOP-FORM ADMISSION
All eyes would have been on Odegaard as he returned to Norway for his first game in club football in his homeland since leaving Stromsgodset for Real Madrid back in 2015, playing 70 minutes in this evening’s 1-0 win over Bodo/Glimt.
Now the captain of his country, and one of Europe’s foremost number 10s, he returned to Norway as Arsenal skipper too, playing what he believes is the best football of his career.
Asked if he is in the form of his life, he replied: “Yes I think so. I think I’ve developed a lot in the last few years. I’ve always been good on the ball but I feel like I’m developing a different side of my game now as well, without the ball.”
“How to improve and affect the game in different ways, so yeah I feel like I’m doing well and of course when the team is doing well it makes things easier for me as well. I’m really happy to be part of this team and happy with where we are at the moment, but we want more of course.”
Also speaking on the responsibility of being a captain, he added: “I haven’t thought too much about it to be honest. I try to do the same things, help the team as much as possible. I enjoy the responsibility and just try to do the best for the team always and hopefully that’s good.”
THE VERDICT: MUST STAY FIT
The only thing lacking in Odegaard’s performance against Liverpool on Sunday was a goal (although he did set up Gabriel Martinelli’s early opener) and he is starting to be a game-changer, even without scoring.
In Norway this evening, he played a team-high four key passes and won two tackles, illustrating his directness in possession and diligence when his team didn’t have the ball.
He is arguably in the best form of his career judging by his WhoScored metrics, and Arteta will now be hoping that the midfielder can continue to inspire his team throughout a hugely promising season.
