Theo Walcott reveals the current Arsenal player he ‘would have loved to have played with’

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final to leave the Gunners with a mountain to climb in the return fixture.

Goals from Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon meant it was a disappointing night for Arsenal with some fans calling for Mikel Arteta to be sacked following the poor display.

Arsenal missed glorious chances to score in the tie, once again highlighting their shortcomings in offensive areas and Ian Wright has urged the board to help Arteta with some January signings.

Arsenal have lacked their usual creativity this season but one player was the subject of high praise before the game by a former Gunners winger.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has just aimed a big ‘dig’ at Arsenal’s board after Newcastle clash – fans are convinced

Theo Walcott ‘would have loved to have played with’ Martin Odegaard

Speaking on Sky Sports pre-match coverage of Arsenal v Newcastle, former Gunner Theo Walcott waxed lyrical about current captain Martin Odegaard and his influence on the side.

Walcott stated: “He was a player that came in very young at Arsenal and I was like get hold of him. I would have loved to have played with him.”

In response to being asked about Odegaard’s influence on the team, Walcott then stated: “He’s everything that’s good about Arsenal.”

Odegaard missed a large chunk of Arsenal’s season through injury but upon return, he had a major impact on Arsenal’s creativity and it has been suggested Odegaard could even play alongside Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal win more games with Odegaard in the team

Despite defeat against Newcastle, it has been clear this season that the Norwegian is an integral part of Arteta’s side and they can ill-afford to lose Odegaard to another injury setback.

However, pundit Walcott has also highlighted an area in which he believes Odegaard can improve. Walcott stated: “I would like to see a few more goals from him.”

The Arsenal captain has just one goal in his 18 appearances this season in all competitions, coming from the penalty spot against West Ham.

If the Arsenal playmaker can listen to Walcott and find the back of the net on a more regular basis, Arsenal may have found part of the answer to their goalscoring woes.