Odegaard alongside some of his midfield colleagues(Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterFour Four TwoGet the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Five times a weekFourFourTwo DailyFantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterAfter three consecutive second-place Premier League finishes, Arsenal are determined that this will be the season where they make the final evolutionary step from perennial runners-up to champions of England.This process has seen the Arsenal squad incrementally improved with every transfer window, no more so than in the engine room of midfield, where the club have a unit filled with the kind of complementary skillset that only the very best teams can manage.With depth, adaptability and chemistry in the middle of the pitch, skipper Martin Odegaard believes this can be the bedrock of a title success.You may likeWe focus on small details, and every day is about getting better. Over time, I really believe thats the right way to do it. Thats why I believe this is going to be our year Martin Odegaard on why its Arsenals yearThe way he sees football his tactical awareness, his understanding of whats needed to change a game its something Ive never seen before Martin Odegaard on his admiration for Mikel ArtetaTo be captain here is something Im really proud of for this amazing club, this amazing team and this amazing manager Martin Odegaard on wearing the Arsenal armbandOdegaard on Arsenals midfieldOne of the final pieces of his puzzle was Martin Zubimendi, who joined the club in a �55million move from Real Sociedad in the summer.Hes unbelievable - I knew that already because I played with him and saw his quality when I was at Real Sociedad, Odegaard tells FourFourTwo, referencing a loan spell in San Sebastian during the 2019-20 season, when Zubimendi was just starting to emerge in the first team.Get VIP Arsenal tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Arsenal's premium Club Level tickets offer superb padded seating and access to the lounge two-and-a-half hours pre-match. The package includes four drinks, one food item, and a half-time complimentary drink. Guests also receive a �5 merchandise voucher and a complimentary Museum Tour, ensuring an elevated and comprehensive matchday experience for home supporters.View DealStraight away you see it the way he understands the game, how smart he is. His positioning without the ball, the way he wins it back hes not the biggest or the strongest, but hes so intelligent. Its amazing to play with him. He deserves all the credit he gets.Add in the likes of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze, and the Gunners have options galore. So what is it like to step onto the pitch with such an assortment of talent?Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Great, Odegaard beams. Were all a bit different, but we work really well together. I feel as though were getting the best out of each other. We complement each other, and with time you just keep getting better. Players learn more about what you want and you learn what they want as well. The connection becomes really strong the trust as well and that helps you adapt to each other.This chemistry was evident on the visit to Bournemouth at the start of January, when Odegaard had the ball under control at the edge of the penalty area, with space opening up for one of his trademark shots. Then he heard it a voice to his left, urgent and familiar. Martiiiin! Here!Odegaard smiles as he thinks back to that moment. I could hear Declan shouting, he recalls. I saw him coming out of the corner of my eye. Thats the understanding between us because I know that he likes to arrive late at the edge of the box.Another moment that stands out for the Norwegian was an assist he provided for Zubimendi against Aston Villa during Decembers 4-1 victory that saw the Gunners move five points clear at the top of the league.Odegaard won the ball inside the Villa half, moved forwards, drew defenders into his path and then split the Villa rearguard with a through ball straight into Zubimendis path, who would finish with aplomb.Ive had a few other good ones, but its definitely one of my favourites because it was such a tight space and such a difficult pass to make, he says. I had to do a little body feint to open up the space, then Zubi made a run and that was just timely.TOPICSArsenalPremier LeagueJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromGuillem Balague
