Martin Odegaard explains how he used injury in ‘a good way’ – he’s emulated one Arsenal teammate

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Martin Odegaard has been able to hit the ground running for Arsenal since his return from injury. 

Martin Odegaard has been in sensational form for Arsenal recently, underlining his importance to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The club captain is the creative hub of this Arsenal team, and is also a true leader. The Norwegian playmaker is Arteta’s most trusted lieutenant on the pitch and orchestrates the team’s press.

Odegaard has been described as a perfect Arsenal captain, due to his work rate, mentality, and quality. 

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard from girlfriend to £65k car

Martin Odegaard explains approach to injury

Arsenal fans certainly missed Odegaard whilst he was injured, and the team’s form suffered, almost seeing their Premier League title dream slip away entirely. 

Now he is back in action, the Gunners have got their mojo back too. The former Real Madrid man has helped to inspire Arteta’s side to victories over Nottingham Forest, Sporting CP, and West Ham United. 

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, the Norway international was asked how he made the most of his time in recovery to ensure that he’d able able to shine upon his return.

Odegaard said: “I wouldn’t prefer to have an injury, but when it happens you have to use it in a good way. There can be positive things, you can look at your team in a different way, you can learn more about your team, you can see it from a different angle.

“I also had a lot of time to work in the gym, a lot of time to work on other parts of my body… You have to use it in a good way, and I feel like that’s what I’ve done.”

Odegaard follows example Jurrien Timber set at Arsenal

Last season, Jurrien Timber missed out on almost the entirety of his maiden campaign at the Emirates Stadium due to an ACL injury. 

However, whilst the Dutch defender was out of action for a long time, he didn’t stop working. Timber studied Arteta’s tactics, ensuring that he’d be able to comfortably slot into the team once he returned to full fitness. 

Odegaard also spent time looking at how this Arsenal team plays, just as Timber did. His ability to link up with his teammates and carve out opportunities appears to have gone up to another level since his return.