‘Who he is’: Mikel Arteta was so impressed with one aspect of Odegaard’s performance in Fulham win

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Mikel Arteta has praised Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s leadership qualities, when asked about the Norwegian playmaker.

Arteta was speaking to a reporter from Viaplay after Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham last night.

Odegaard scored the equaliser as the Gunners came from behind to maintain their 100% record.

The Norwegian’s effort deflected off Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, wrong-footing former teammate Bernd Leno in goal.

Defender Gabriel made up for an error at one end by scoring a late winner, and was also praised by the Arsenal manager.

Odegaard is already on course to beat this tally of seven goals last season, after scoring a brace against Bournemouth last weekend.

The 23-year-old’s performance against Fulham has been widely praised, with Tony Cascarino comparing Odegaard to Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne.

Arteta praised Odegaard’s leadership qualities

There were a few eyebrows raised when it was announced Odegaard had been handed the armband at Arsenal.

Kevin Campbell suggested that midfielder Granit Xhaka should have been made captain, but so far Odegaard’s performances have proven Arteta right with his decision.

The Spanish manager, celebrating a win in 100^th game in charge, said: “That’s who he is (a leader), and he’s becoming naturally that person and that player on the pitch and in difficult moments he was there, he wanted the ball, he wanted to make a difference, he wanted to make things happen, and he stayed composed under pressure.

“That’s a big thing when you play for this club and you are the captain of this club.”

Odegaard is now captain of club and country, an impressive feat as a 23-year-old.

He’s certainly assisted by plenty of other vocal leaders on the pitch at Arsenal.

However, Arteta clearly feels Odegaard’s leadership qualities are improving game-by-game, and with Arsenal in such fine form right now, the Norwegian clearly has a very happy squad to look after right now.