‘He’s a fighter’ – Martin Odegaard hails new teammate Bruno G
Martin Odegaard believes Arsenal’s best is still to come after they began their Premier League title defence by lifting the Community Shield, with the captain hailing the instant impact of new signing Bruno Guimaraes.
Odegaard scored as Arsenal overcame Manchester City at Wembley, with the Norwegian delighted to start the season with a trophy and encouraged by the way his side performed against one of their biggest rivals.
“It was brilliant. The performance was great, the result was great – and a first trophy of the season. It is what we wanted to do,” Odegaard said. “Overall, it was a great performance and I am happy for the team to show their level against a strong opponent. It is a good way to start the season.”
The Arsenal captain endured an injury-hit campaign last season but returned to fitness in time to help Norway at the World Cup before enjoying a full break.
“Last year was really a big struggle with a lot of difficult moments,” he said. “It is the worst thing for a footballer to not be able to be on the pitch and I had quite a lot of weird injuries, and bad luck.
“It was good for me to end the season with a title here and then a good World Cup. Then I had my break and I feel good, ready to go again.”
Odegaard also admitted manager Mikel Arteta’s demand for more from him this season had provided extra motivation.
“To miss so many games because of injury was really frustrating,” he said. “What I have just worked on is to use that as motivation for this year and to become stronger. And to use all of those experiences in a positive way.”
There was particular excitement around the captain’s combination with Guimaraes, who impressed on his Arsenal debut following his move from Newcastle.
“It was really good, really natural,” Odegaard said. “Since the first day he came in, it has been such a natural thing.”
He praised the Brazilian’s ability to combine aggression with composure in possession, adding: “He can win the ball, he’s a fighter, but he also has so much quality on the ball. He has that, what can I say… he is so calm on the ball. He always takes the right amount of time and he finds the pass. It’s brilliant.”
Odegaard was equally impressed by fellow debutant Christos Tzolis, who provided two assists, but warned Arsenal still have plenty of room to improve.
“We wanted to show our level,” he said. “Of course, last year we won the league. But this year we want more.”
And with Arsenal targeting further success on all fronts, Odegaard believes the Community Shield is only the beginning.
“There is a lot to build on. It was a great way to start.”
