Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu says he has never seen a player with Martin Odegaard’s abilities

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has showered praise on Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, telling talkSPORT he has never played with a player with such ability as the Norway international has.

The 24-year-old finished last term with 15 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League games and has weighed in with four goals and two assists in 12 league appearances this term.

Odegaard has also bagged two goals in four Champions League games this season and has recently started playing like he did last term.

Tomiyasu has been impressed with the midfielder, with his professionalism on and off the pitch also noteworthy to the Japan international.

“No, he is so intelligent and he knows what to do on the pitch,” the defender replied when asked if he has ever played with a player with such an ability like Odegaard has.

“And also, he is so professional and he is the best example for us. He is a professional off the pitch as well. I like him a lot, he deserves to be the captain, we love him a lot.”

Odegaard was in fine form in the 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, putting in a performance reminiscent of his displays from last season.

He scored what proved to be the winner, and the goal could prove crucial in the title race going forward.

Arsenal need Odegaard back on form, and the former Real Madrid man has the potential to become the best number 10 in the Premier League.

He will need to start scoring and assisting regularly if the Gunners are to win the title this term.

Arsenal return to action on Saturday when they travel to the Midlands to face Aston Villa, and the game could prove to be one of their sternest tests of the season so far.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool, West Ham United and Fulham are next afterwards, and it is time for Odegaard and co to start stepping up having narrowly won their last three league games.