Martin Keown says what Mikel Arteta recently did has ‘definitely’ made Martin Odegaard better

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Martin Keown was singing Martin Odegaard’s praises after the Arsenal captain’s performance against Olympiacos.

Praise was coming from all angles for Odegaard after his tremendous display on matchday two of the Champions League.

Ally McCoist said that Odegaard was the best passer on the pitch against Olympiacos, a statement that was made even before the Norwegian recorded an assist in stoppage time.

It was a performance that showcased the Arsenal captain at his brilliant best, something fans haven’t seen consistently for a long while.

• READ MORE: Greek media say three Arsenal players stood out the most against Olympiacos

Martin Keown says Eberechi Eze’s arrival has made Martin Odegaard better

Odegaard was the difference maker against Newcastle and returned to the starting XI to make his presence known against Olympiacos.

The 26-year-old had a difficult season last term due to injury and form, but such seems to be becoming a thing of the past.

Speaking on TNT Sports [22:07] after Arsenal’s win over Olympiacos, Martin Keown waxed lyrical about Odegaard, sharing why he believes things are changing for the playmaker.

“This fella, tonight, we’re seeing everything. It’s his game. Look, it’s almost like [Liam] Brady I’m looking at at times,” Keown said.

“That’s a high compliment for him playing with confidence; that pressure is definitely bringing the best out of him. Eze played recently in his position, and he wants to keep it.”

The Arsenal legend suspects that Eberechi Eze’s arrival in the summer woke Odegaard up to fight for his place as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice number ten.

A similar narrative can be said of every attacker in the Arsenal squad, as Arteta has the talent to entertain healthy battles for starting spots, which, in turn, ensures that players are consistently performing.

What Odegaard has said about competing with Eze

Odegaard is under pressure because of Eze, who has shown how much of an influence he can be in attacking midfield.

After the Olympiacos win, the Arsenal captain spoke to Keown on TNT Sports, where he was asked what he really thinks about having to compete for starting spots. 

“I think the quality and the depth, and we have so many players who can play so it’s just a feeling from every single player now on the pitch,” Odegaard explained.

“You want to prove that you deserve it, you want to keep your spot. I think that’s good for us, that competitiveness and the competition in the squad.”

Any room for complacency was abolished by Arteta during the summer transfer window, which is working to the manager’s favour based on how individual levels have already risen this season.