Forget goals, Wayne Rooney wants Martin Odegaard to do something different for Arsenal in key Champions League clash

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are preparing for a tough test away in the Netherlands as they face a creative PSV Eindhoven side.

Mikel Arteta makes two changes from Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest as Thomas Partey and Myles Lewis-Skelly come into the starting line up.

Arsenal have a poor record against Dutch teams and will know that they need to be defensively secure against a PSV team that includes the talented Noa Lang.

Ivan Perisic has aimed a dig at Arsenal in the pre-match build up and England forward Wayne Rooney has been discussing what Arsenal’s senior players need to do on a tough Champions League night.

READ MORE: ‘They have a real chance’ – Former Man City star has issued verdict on Arsenal’s Champions League hopes ahead of PSV clash

Wayne Rooney gives advice to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard

Speaking on Amazon Prime Video’s pre-match coverage of Arsenal’s trip to PSV Eindhoven, Rooney has been discussing the role of Gunners captain Martin Odegaard ahead of a tough away European trip.

Rooney stated: “We know it’s going to be a good atmosphere and as captain in Champions League knockout stages, it’s really important you manage the game well and control the tempo of games and you don’t get excited.

“You’ve got young players in the team, you don’t get too excited where you’re thinking you can score at every opportunity. So I think if he can score, create goals, great, but try to control the tempo of the game.”

Odegaard will be hoping that he can link with the impressive Ethan Nwaneri as he has been the Gunners biggest attacking threat in recent weeks.

Odegaard looking to rediscover his Arsenal form

Darren Bent has labelled Odegaard as ‘appalling’ this season and the Norwegian himself has been disappointed with his output so far in the campaign.

With injuries to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, it puts even more emphasis on Odegaard to create and score goals within the inexperienced attack.

Odegaard has scored just three goals in all competitions this season and only managed six assists, a real drop in his numbers from previous years.

Now is the time however for the skipper to show up and take responsibility, if he can begin to form a goalscoring run in the Champions League it may come at just the right time for the Gunners.