After an excellent campaign last season, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard recently signed a long-term contract extension, and Mikel Arteta has now praised the midfielder.
The 25-year-old scored 15 league goals last season in an outstanding individual campaign and has been an important figure for the club both on and off the pitch since his loan move was made permanent two years ago.
Odegaard has now extended his contract to 2028, with his new deal making him the club’s highest earner, and Arteta has now highlighted what makes Odegaard a special player.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the manager pointed out Odegaard’s leadership skills and driven personality as a positive influence on his teammates.
“Whether you’re watching him or not, he’s always doing the right thing, and that is the biggest strength of Martin, that he is always preparing the best possible way to give his maximum, and that pushes everybody else’s standards,” he stated.
“He’s a person who really cares about the others, he’s got huge qualities about trying to make others better all the time, and he’s constantly looking to improve, he’s never satisfied. I think he’s got the right environment around him, his family, his girlfriend, top people around him and and that’s a big bonus I think.”
The face of Arsenal
Odegaard, alongside Bukayo Saka, is arguably the face of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s project right now.
The Norwegian’s improvement over the last two years has been remarkable, and he has established himself as one of the club’s most important players, and one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Arsenal struck gold when they were able to land him from Real Madrid for around £30m, and he has proven to be one of the best value purchases the club has made under Arteta.
On the pitch, he has turned up on the biggest occasions and contributed goals and creativity to the side. Off the pitch, he has represented the club well as captain and is now one of the most vocal and important players in the team.
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