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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Arsenal are ‘building something special’ under Mikel Arteta with focus on youth, says Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard believes Arsenal’s crop of young stars are “building something special” under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners are pushing to qualify for the Champions League this season and they currently sit sixth in the Premier League, four points behind Manchester United in fourth but with two games in hand.

Arsenal have achieved that with the youngest squad in the league, with Odegaard himself still only 23, and the midfielder is excited about what the future holds.

“I think we’re a very, very interesting group: a lot of young players, and a lot of hungry players,” Odegaard said.

“I feel like we’re building something special here with all the players and the staff.

Martin Odegaard is excited by youthful Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“It’s really interesting what we’re trying to do and I’m happy with the situation, very happy to be part of the team and hopefully we can keep improving and get better each game. Then we’ll see where it takes us.”

Odegaard may only be 23, but he has still got plenty of experience under his belt so far in his career.

He has played for Real Madrid, while he is also currently the captain of Norway and has emerged as a leader at Arsenal.

“It helps me, to be around players in the same situation [in terms of age],” Odegaard told Arsenal’s website.

“I’ve been through a lot, even though I’m pretty young. In this team I’m not the youngest anymore and I have some experience and I can use that in a positive way, and help the other young players.

“We’re a great group, we have a lot of big young talents but also some more experienced players, I think the mix is good and the team is very hungry. It’s really nice to be part of the team.”

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