“He is an unbelievable player” - Bukayo Saka names Arsenal teammate he enjoys playing with after big win against Sporting CP

Bukayo Saka has heaped praise on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard after their 5-1 win over Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday (November 26). He said he enjoyed playing with the Norwegian, adding that he was delighted to see the midfielder back.

Speaking to the media after the game, Saka said he wants Odegaard to remain fit for the rest of the season. He remarked that the club captain's return to the pitch brought a smile on his face earlier this month, saying (via The Standard):

“He (Odegaard) is an unbelievable player and the day he returned, there was a big smile on my face. You can see the chemistry we have, how much I enjoy playing with him. So I am happy he is back and I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.”

Talking about the big win in Portugal, Saka said:

“This is where we belong. We have shown the level we can play at and we need to continue like this. We knew they (Sporting) hadn’t lost here this season and they have been a top team, but we believe in ourselves. We just have to be us and go with confidence. Today we did that. Everyone was top, anyone could have got this [man-of-the-match award] and I am really proud of all the boys today.”

Bukayo Saka scored from the spot in the second half, while Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Leandro Trossard scored once each to seal a memorable win for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal play better with Martin Odegaard on the pitch

Mikel Arteta spoke to the media last week and claimed that Arsenal are better when Martin Odegaard is on the pitch. He added that the Norwegian brings energy and creates chances like no one else in the squad.

He said (via Eurosport):

"It is different [without Martin Odegaard in the team]. He is a different player and a unique player in our team. For the energy that he brings, the understanding of the game that he has and the trust that he has from everybody. He is the player that connects everything, that's him. His body language, his capacity to link with the ball and the way he drives the press makes him a very important player and that is why he is our captain."

Martin Odegaard is yet to score for Arsenal this season and has assisted just three times in seven games. He was out for a few games earlier this season after picking up an ankle injury on international duty.