Martin Odegaard was in one of his best spells of form when Arsenal beat Manchester City in the Community Shield yesterday, and his performance has given their manager confidence that this could be a really big season for the Norwegian.
Injuries were a problem for Odegaard last term as he missed many matches for club and country, while the midfielder continued to work hard to return to his best shape. His fitness will be important to Arsenal as they prepare for another demanding campaign.
Odegaard Impresses Against Manchester City
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Over the summer, Odegaard looked really good at the World Cup and thankfully did not suffer another injury during the competition. Arsenal can therefore hope to call on him regularly this term, provided he maintains his fitness.
When he is in his best shape, no player can easily displace Odegaard from the Arsenal team. Mikel Arteta knows what the Norway captain can deliver when he is performing at his highest level, which is why keeping him fit will be a priority.
The manager will now want Odegaard to maintain his condition as Arsenal prepare for the start of the league campaign in just a few days. His display against City has provided an encouraging indication of what he could offer during the season.
Arteta Expects a Different Martin
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Arteta was impressed with Odegaard’s performance against City and believes his captain can reach another level if he remains fit and available. The manager also feels that Odegaard has something more to prove and that the team needs him to show it.
Arteta said to [Arsenal Media](https://www.arsenal.com/news/every-word-artetas-post-community-shield-presser-aATrq4Y4fosW): “He missed five or six months for different things and it was extremely difficult for him to get any momentum. I’m sure this year if we can maintain him fit, available with the players around him, we’re going to see a very different Martin. I sense from the first day that he joined that he has something else on the belly that he wants to prove and show because the team needs it as well.”
Odegaard’s performance against City has given Arsenal another reason to be optimistic. If he can remain fit and continue building momentum, Arteta will expect his captain to play a major role this season.