Odegaard reveals how Arteta made him a goalscorer at Arsenal

The Arsenal captain opened up on the impact Mikel Arteta has made on his game after signing a new long-term contract at the Emirates.

Martin Odegaard praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for the way he has improved his efficiency in front of goal.

On Friday, Arsenal announced that Odegaard had signed a new contract until June 2028. The midfielder later said the decision was easy, describing it as a “no-brainer” to remain part of Arteta’s project.

Odegaard, who first joined Arsenal on an initial loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, has thrived under the Spaniard. The Norwegian had the most productive campaign of his career last season. He made 23-goal contributions in 37 Premier League appearances, scoring 15 times and dishing out eight assists.

“Mikel has been a massive, massive help,” Odegaard said of the Arsenal manager’s impact on his game.

“From the first time I spoke to him, I knew he was a great coach straight away. It is just the way he speaks, the way he sees football. He is so smart, he sees so many details you don’t even think about.

“What he has helped me improve a lot is my position — where to threaten, what areas to threaten, and how I can be more dangerous arriving in the box at the right times. I’m still learning new things every day in training. He’s amazing.”

The best of Odegaard is still to come

Aged 24, Odegaard enters his peak years as one of the most talented footballers already. He won the Premier League Player of the Year in March and earned a nomination for this year’s Ballon d’Or award last month.

Yet, on the back of another impressive start to the current campaign, Odegaard feels he can get even better.

“I am still young,” he said.

“I have a lot of areas to improve still and a lot of things I can do better. I am hungry for more and I am going to keep fighting to improve.”

Odegaard becomes the latest Arsenal player to sign a new long-term deal at the club.

In the past year alone, seven other stars have penned new contracts. These are Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson, and Ethan Nwaneri.

Arteta’s side will return to action on Sunday at home to north London foes Tottenham in the Premier League.