Bukayo Saka has now opened up about what he really thinks of the player he sits beside in the Arsenal dressing room.
Bukayo Saka is a popular figure at Arsenal.
As a fan-favourite and talismanic presence at the club, the 22-year-old winger is highly valued by the North London outfit. His positive personality also shines through on the pitch, further endearing him to the Emirates Stadium faithful.
Mikel Arteta takes issues of squad harmony seriously, and has often preached the importance of a sense of unity existing within the club.
As such, it is easy to imagine that the matter of who sits where, and next to who, in the dressing room is something that plenty of thought goes into. Factors such as language barriers need to be taken into account, and measures must also be taken against cliques forming within the group.
Reiss Nelson has previously hailed the positive atmosphere that Arteta has created at the club.
Saka certainly seems happy with his dressing room neighbour, who he has now revealed to be Martin Odegaard.
Bukayo Saka shares honest thoughts about Arsenal dressing room buddy Martin Odegaard
Speaking on a video posted by Sport Bible, the Hale End academy graduate said: “Martin, he sits next to me…fabulous player.”
Odegaard is certainly worthy of such praise. The Norwegian playmaker has been in sensational form this season, racking up 11 goals and 9 assists across all competitions so far. The stats tell the full story of just how influential the 25-year-old has been, as Odegaard has been the standout creative player in Europe this season.
He also sets a positive example on the pitch, as a tactical leader. He orchestrates the Arsenal press, and runs relentlessly to hassle and harry opposition players. Odegaard has been described as a perfect Arsenal captain due to his impressive work-rate.
The importance of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to Arsenal
Saka and Odegaard also enjoy a fruitful partnership on the pitch. The pair regularly combine to great effect on the right-hand side of the pitch for Arsenal, and are often supported in their attacking endeavours by right-back Ben White.
Arteta will be hoping that their partnership endures and continues to unlock opposition teams for years to come. It is certainly a positive sign that the pair appear to also get on very well behind the scenes.
This duo will be key to the Gunners’ Premier League title-winning hopes this season. Arsenal must win their final two matches of the campaign in order to stand any chance of being crowned champions, and Saka and Odegaard will both be expected to deliver to help Arteta’s side pick up the victories they need.