Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard heaped praise on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard following his impressive cameo performance against Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta made five changes from the 2-1 Premier League win over Leeds United, and there was a lack of cutting edge in the final third, particularly in the opening half.
Arsenal were guilty of squandering some good scoring chances, but they eventually broke the deadlock through Jurrien Timber’s fabulous finish in the 64th minute.
Arteta brought on Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard shortly after. The trio were heavily involved in the next two goals for the London giants.
Eberechi Eze scored the Gunners’ second goal from a Saka assist, before Havertz provided a key pass for Saka for the third, which put the result beyond Lille’s sights.
Odegaard did not make a direct goal contribution, but the Gunners captain participated heavily in the lead-up and had a pass completion rate of 93 percent (26/28).
He also created two chances and made four recoveries in a dazzling 28-minute cameo.
Shortly after the game, Gerrard appreciated Odegaard’s display. He described him as a ‘technical leader’ who can find spaces in the final third with a ‘vibe of magic’.
He told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport): “Martin Odegaard is a technical leader.
“I don’t think that he’s the most vocal, but he leads in a different way with his quality, with his vision, and he gives this group of players something different.
“When they can’t open the door and they are playing against these diligent defensive shapes he’s that one with a vibe of magic, who can find the space and open the door.”
Odegaard, who was signed for £30 million from Real Madrid in 2021, has been in scintillating form for club and country this term. The Norwegian has already netted four goals for Arsenal.
He has also excelled with his movement and chance creation. The 27-year-old was fantastic in his short cameo against Lille and should be reinstated into the XI this weekend.
Arsenal have a tricky away Premier League game at Nottingham Forest. The City Ground has not been a happy hunting ground for them, with just one win in the last six visits.
The Gunners have shared the spoils in the last two trips with goalless draws, and need to turn up with an improved showing, or they could lose further ground at the top of the league table.
League leaders Manchester City are already three points ahead of the Gunners with a superior goal difference. They should be favourites to go six clear by beating Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Arsenal only face Forest on the road on Sunday, and the pressure will definitely be on them. Odegaard will have a key role to play in the number 10 position against the Tricky Trees.
Stats from Sofascore.com