Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised captain Martin Ødegaard’s immediate and impactful return from injury, describing the midfielder as “phenomenal” and essential to the squad’s resurgence, according to a report from the Evening Standard.
Ødegaard, whose injury record in previous seasons saw him miss vital games, has successfully re-established himself in the side.
Speaking on his captain’s immediate influence, Arteta confirmed the uplift in morale and quality: “Yes obviously – he brings an energy and stamina.”
Following a game against Olympiacos, Arteta lavished praise on the Norwegian’s contribution: “I think today he was phenomenal.
I think that creativity is part of his nature. It doesn’t bring any pressure to him because it’s his best ability to generate things that not a lot of players can do.”
Ødegaard demonstrated this by having a “big hand in Arsenal’s opening goal” by playing a “perfect through-ball” to Viktor Gyökeres.
Arteta also highlighted the midfielder’s professional approach to recovery, which allowed him to return at a high level.
“He was exceptional since the Chelsea game, and he’s been very consistent in the last few games,” Arteta said, adding that “Good players who are so consistent and reliable, they can take the game to a different level and make the players around them better.
That’s a huge quality of Martin and yes, he’s been missed.”