Gabriel Martinelli says 23-year-old Arsenal talent is amazing in training

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Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has told FourFourTwo magazine (May 2022, p. 38) that Gunners teammate Martin Odegaard has impressed him the most in training.

Mikel Arteta’s charges have enjoyed a great season so far, remaining well in contention for a Premier League top-four finish.

Arsenal have placed a lot of emphasis on youth this season, bringing in the likes of Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White.

Likewise, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have risen through the Gunners ranks to become established first-team stars.

Martinelli has been at Arsenal since 2019, and enjoyed a superb maiden season at the Emirates.

He has had to wait a while before finally cementing a place in the starting XI, but this term, he’s finally done it.

FourFourTwo asked Martinelli which Arsenal teammate had impressed him the most in training.

“Definitely Martin,” he replied.

“He has so much quality and is such a team player. He’s always chatting to everyone.”

Odegaard has been in impressive form lately, pulling the strings for Arsenal in midfield.

He has registered five goals and three assists in the Premier League to help Arsenal climb into the top-four.

As well as his quality on the pitch, Odegaard also has the right attitude to succeed in the game.

Indeed, the 23-year-old already captains the Norway national team.

With Arsenal potentially needing a new skipper next season, Odegaard would certainly be a great shout for the role.

“He’s the main main there now”

Darren Bent recently said on talkSPORT he wouldn’t trade Odegaard for Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.

“Right now, I’d rather have Martin Odegaard with the way Arsenal are playing,” he told Andy Goldstein.

“I’m taking Odegaard in that role for Arsenal. He’s perfect for what Arsenal are doing right now.

“I wouldn’t swap him for Bruno.”

Odegaard recently earned praise from Arsenal icon Paul Merson too.

Writing in the Daily Star, the Highbury legend admitted he was wrong about the former Real Madrid talent.

“Martin Odegaard has proved me wrong and is becoming the leader Arsenal need to pass their toughest test yet,” he wrote.

“He is the main man there now and the first name on the teamsheet for me. He has really improved and is doing the business.

“I think the players respect him because they can see he’s a real player. I didn’t see it at first, I have to admit.”