Mikel Arteta has claimed that Martin Odegaard makes his teammates better following Arsenal's 2-0 win over Leicester City as the Gunners continue their UEFA Champions League push.
The north Londoners had a fairly comfortable afternoon at the Emirates Stadium thanks to goals from Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette, sending them back to fourth in the current Premier League standings.
Arsenal boss Arteta also heaped praise on talented playmaker Odegaard, hailing the 22-year-old's influence against the Foxes.
“He was terrific again today in every aspect of the game,” the Spaniard said in his post-game press conference.
“What he had to do in defending, when we were high, when we were deep, in the build-up phase, in the final third and the way he understands and manages the game when it’s needed.
“I think he’s come a long way since his arrival, he’s showing great maturity and responsibility on the pitch. And he makes the other players better, I think.”
When asked if the Norway captain was a bargain, Arteta added: “I don’t know (if it’s bargain).
“It’s still a little bit early to say that but we were convinced he’s a player that could fit in our club, in our model, that has every value that we want from players that represent this club and then he has the qualities that we want to do. We’re really happy with him.”
The Gunners have won each of their last five league outings but they face a tough task on Wednesday night when they welcome Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium.
The Reds knocked Arteta and Co out of the Carabao Cup earlier this year and also defeated the north London outfit 4-0 in the corresponding league fixture at Anfield back in November.
