• News

‘I’ll never play him on the wing’ – Arsenal legend offers Odegaard advice

Martin Odegaard - Arsenal
Getty Images
Advertisement

Much is expected of the highly-rated midfielder who became the third signing of the January transfer window for the Gunners.

Arsenal legend Lauren has offered Mikel Arteta advice on how to best avail the services of “an absolutely fantastic talent” Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal brought in Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid with the London side looking to bolster their attacking midfield options.

The Norwegian was thrown straight into the team training session on Wednesday and could make his debut in the Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday.

Last season, he was able to shine brightly during his loan spell at Real Sociedad. Something similar is expected from him at the Emirates.

And Odegaard has all the abilities and features the Gunners were searching for, according to a club legend.

Lauren told Goal: “The system that Arteta is playing, that 4-2-3-1, it will suit him because he is going to play behind the striker and in front of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, or whoever Arteta wants to play in front of that backline.

“I will never say to play Odegaard on the wing, he is more of a No.10. If you play 4-4-2 and use him in that four like a diamond [it could work]. He should always be behind the strikers because he is a player who can link very well.

“He can get into the last third and score goals. He is a quality player who can see that final pass. An absolutely fantastic talent.”

x