Mikel Arteta reveals role in Martin Odegaard's rapid Arsenal improvement

Forum 10 months ago

Mikel Arteta reveals role in Martin Odegaard's rapid Arsenal improvement

Mikel Arteta says Martin Odegaard's dramatically improved performances for Arsenal last season were the result of a 'brutal' work ethic and the ability to adapt and learn quickly.

The 24-year-old registered 15 goals and eight assists in 37 Premier League appearances as Arsenal fought tooth and nail with eventual champions Manchester City in a two-horse title race.

Few were expecting Arsenal to challenge for silverware prior to the 2022/23 season beginning, but it quickly became apparent that there had been a mentality shift at the Emirates Stadium under the captaincy of Odegaard, who succeeded Alexandre Lacazette in the role.

Odegaard raised his game significantly for Arsenal, with his performance level mirrored by Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and many others for large portions of the season.

Speaking in an interview with leading Spanish publication Marca, Arteta was asked how he'd helped Odegaard become a star turn in north London. And although the Spaniard admitted that handing him the captaincy had certainly helped, he was quick to point towards the Norwegian's own work ethic as a key driver in his success.

"I think it is his merit. His self-demand is brutal, he understands everything very well and learns quickly. We help him by giving him responsibility and confidence by making him a captain," Arteta said.