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Mikel Arteta praises fantastic Martin Odegaard after Wolves win


Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on club-captain Martin Odegaard following his man of the match performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

The Gunners went five points clear at the top of the league table after their 2-0 win at Wolves last night. Odegaard was undoubtedly the stand-out performer, scoring a brace in the second half.

The Norwegian has been in superb form over the course of the campaign. He scored his fifth and sixth goals of the league season to ensure that the Gunners went into the World Cup break in style.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said that the 23-year-old was the perfect choice to be the Gunners’ captain this term and praised him as a ‘fantastic’ footballer, who has stood out with his personality.

He told Arsenal.com: “It is [a big decision], he’s a leader in his own way, with his character, he’s a fantastic person, he’s a fantastic footballer and what he’s doing at his age is not easy. We’re really happy to have him.”

The Gunners boss went on to speak on the improved goal tally of Odegaard. He has six league goals in 13 games this term when compared to eight from his previous 50 top-flight matches.

Arteta added: “That’s what you want, your attacking midfielders to win games and not only assist them but score goals. He’s changed that mentality, he’s practising a lot [on scoring goals].”

“He wants to get to his best, which we don’t know what his limit is like many of the other kids that we have. That’s what we want, embrace the good moments and support them when they’re not that good.”

Odegaard realising his full potential at Arsenal

Odegaard had a mixed full season with Arsenal last term where he got into superb scoring positions but did not capitalise. His composure and finishing in the box has improved this season.

The €60 million star has squandered some clear-cut chances such as the one against Liverpool last month, but he is now looking more assured when it comes to his decision-making.

Odegaard is a selfless player, who tries to pick out his teammates in the final third, but there has been a killer instinct this season with more goals (6) than assists (2) for him.

The World Cup break has probably come at the wrong time for the Gunners, but it should help the likes of Odegaard recuperate following a hectic first half to the campaign.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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