Ally McCoist saw Martin Odegaard kept needing to cover for Arsenal teammate vs Porto

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Ally McCoist noticed that Martin Odegaard kept having to cover for Bukayo Saka as Arsenal clashed with Porto in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

The 61-year-old made the comments when speaking on commentary duty for TNT Sports.

So, what did Ally McCoist say about Arsenal No.8 Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka? Let’s take a look…

Martin Odegaard kept having to cover for Bukayo Saka

Well, the TNT Sports pundit noticed that the England international kept being forced back by Porto No.18 Wendell, who made life very tough for the Arsenal No.7 in the opening 45 minutes.

Just before Leandro Trossard put Arsenal 1-0 ahead, McCoist noticed that Odegaard kept having to do Saka’s pressing work going forwards, as the Brazilian was pushing the winger into defensive areas.

The man from Bellshill said: “Odegaard is having to run 25 yards across to cover Bukayo Saka, because he’s being dragged out. He’s having to go into the Porto left-back position.”

Arsenal did manage to break out of this uncomfortable situation just moments after McCoist’s comments.

Odegaard in particular was instrumental as Trossard broke the deadlock, teasing Joao Mario with some delightful footwork before sliding a perfect through ball into the Belgian’s path.

Arsenal No.8 is a leader

Odegaard really is having quite the campaign.

Not only is the Norway international regularly leading the press in attacking areas for Arsenal – Thierry Henry has praised his work off the ball – but he is also contributing goals and assists at an impressive rate.

Odegaard now has nine goals and eight assists in 36 appearances this season, a fantastic return for someone who also often drops deep to collect possession and ease pressure on his teammates too.

Make no mistake about it, the Norwegian truly is blossoming into one of the greatest midfielders in Europe – Arsenal somehow managing to sign him from Real Madrid for just £30m was a masterstroke.