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highlighted the subscriptions our members get the most value from. Martin Odegaard believes the Arsenal midfield ticks all the boxes of a title-winning side

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The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Want to add more newsletters? Fantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more. Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off! Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. After three consecutive second-place Premier League finishes, Arsenal are determined that this will be the season where they make the final evolutionary step from perennial runners-up to champions of England. This process has seen the Arsenal squad incrementally improved with every transfer window, no more so than in the engine room of midfield, where the club have a unit filled with the kind of complementary skillset that only the very best teams can manage. With depth, adaptability and chemistry in the middle of the pitch, skipper Martin Odegaard believes this can be the bedrock of a title success.

One of the final pieces of his puzzle was Martin Zubimendi, who joined the club in a £55million move from Real Sociedad in the summer. “He’s unbelievable - I knew that already because I played with him and saw his quality when I was at Real Sociedad, ” Odegaard tells Four Four Two, referencing a loan spell in San Sebastian during the 2019-20 season, when Zubimendi was just starting to emerge in the first team. Get VIP Arsenal tickets HERE with Seat Unique! Arsenal's premium Club Level tickets offer superb padded seating and access to the lounge two-and-a-half hours pre-match. The package includes four drinks, one food item, and a half-time complimentary drink. Guests also receive a £5 merchandise voucher and a complimentary Museum Tour, ensuring an elevated and comprehensive matchday experience for home supporters. “Straight away you see it – the way he understands the game, how smart he is. His positioning without the ball, the way he wins it back – he’s not the biggest or the strongest, but he’s so intelligent. It’s amazing to play with him. He deserves all the credit he gets. ” Add in the likes of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze, and the Gunners have options galore. So what is it like to step onto the pitch with such an assortment of talent? The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. “Great, ” Odegaard beams. “We’re all a bit different, but we work really well together. I feel as though we’re getting the best out of each other. We complement each other, and with time you just keep getting better. Players learn more about what you want and you learn what they want as well. The connection becomes really strong – the trust as well – and that helps you adapt to each other. ” This chemistry was evident on the visit to Bournemouth at the start of January, when Odegaard had the ball under control at the edge of the penalty area, with space opening up for one of his trademark shots. Then he heard it – a voice to his left, urgent and familiar. “Martiiiin! Here! ” Odegaard smiles as he thinks back to that moment. “I could hear Declan shouting, ” he recalls. “I saw him coming out of the corner of my eye. That’s the understanding between us – because I know that he likes to arrive late at the edge of the box. ”

Another moment that stands out for the Norwegian was an assist he provided for Zubimendi against Aston Villa during December’s 4-1 victory that saw the Gunners move five points clear at the top of the league. Odegaard won the ball inside the Villa half, moved forwards, drew defenders into his path and then split the Villa rearguard with a through ball straight into Zubimendi’s path, who would finish with aplomb. “I’ve had a few other good ones, but it’s definitely one of my favourites because it was such a tight space and such a difficult pass to make, ” he says. “I had to do a little body feint to open up the space, then Zubi made a run and that was just timely. ” For more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and Leeds Live among others and worked at Four Four Two throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

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