Martin Odegaard Says Mikel Arteta Is A “Bit Crazy” – But Praises His Passionate Approach

Martin Odegaard has written in the Player’s Tribune that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a “bit crazy” but says that when the Spaniard is talking, everyone is listening.

Odegaard has enjoyed an upward trajectory this season under Arteta, becoming one of the Premier League’s best players.

The  Norwegian performances over the past two months recently awarded him earning the Player of the Month award for November and December 2022 after scoring three and assisting another three in four games.

Odegaard is the absolute heartbeat of anything Arsenal do in the opposing half. Made captain by Arteta, the Norwegian has clocked up 26 games this season, having a hand in 14 goals from the middle of the park.

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Indeed, it was Arteta that chose to hand Odegaard the captain’s armband. As things stand, Odegaard could be lifting the Premier League trophy at the end of the season. Something, Odegaard and Arsenal fans thought would be unlikely.

Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

But that is where we are at. Arsenal are performing incredibly well and despite a loss to Everton last weekend, Arsenal still sit five points clear at the top of the League table – with a game in hand. Odegaard praised £160k-a-week Arteta.

“He is next level. It’s hard to explain. He’s passionate, he’s intense and sometimes, yeah, he’s a bit crazy. But when he speaks, you understand that whatever he says will happen, will happen,” Odegaard told the Player’s Tribune this week.

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Arsenal need to put the Everton defeat behind them as soon as possible and get back to winning ways. On Saturday, they play host to London rivals Brentford – who have of course, proved tricky opponents since they were promoted.

But it is a win that is pivotal for two reasons. Obviously, getting back to winning ways and strengthening their place at the top of the table is key. But also, because Arsenal take on second-placed Manchester City on Wednesday night.

They need momentum going into that game, especially after losing to City in the FA Cup. It is a massive game, a match in which City could reignite their push for the Premier League title by clawing in the Gunners. A huge few days.

The Gunners are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table, dreaming of one of their best seasons in years.