'I love this guy': William Saliba says Arsenal have 'one of the best' players in the world in his position
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Arsenal have come back strong following the international break, with two comprehensive wins in a row in all competitions.
The Gunners returned to action with a 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest before thrashing Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League.
Better still, Arsenal’s rout of Sporting took place at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, where they hadn’t lost for over a year.
The Gunners had a wobble earlier this month but they’ve made it clear that they’re not out of either the Premier League title race or the Champions League race.
Now, William Saliba has sung the praises of one of his teammates, saying he’s “one of the best” in the world in his position – indeed, “top three”.
READ MORE: Arsenal's five biggest Champions League wins after 5-1 Sporting CP triumph
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard hailed by William Saliba
The player in question is Martin Odegaard, whose return to action has coincided with Arsenal’s uptick in form.
Odegaard spent some time on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury while on Norway duty during the September international break.
The Arsenal captain returned to the starting XI against Chelsea, where he assisted Gabriel Martinelli for his goal in the 1-1 draw.
Odegaard was then raring to go after the November international break and he was unstoppable against both Forest and Sporting.
Saliba told Arsenal media team: "I think he's one of the best midfielders in the world and we are so happy to have him back.
“We are better with him so I hope he won't get injured again. Of course, we have to enjoy playing with him. We can see since he's back we are better.
"He's top three [in the world]. I don't want to put too much pressure on him but I think top three.
“I love this guy. He worked hard at the training ground so I'm not surprised that he came back [from injury] like this.
“But of course, it's not easy when you haven't played for four weeks to come back at this level. I'm not in shock, he's a top professional."
How the media rated Odegaard v Sporting
Football.london gave Odegaard a rating of 9 out of 10 for his heroics on the night.
They said Odegaard 'knitted play together brilliantly on the edge of the box where Sporting gave him far too much time. Arsenal look so much more of an attacking threat with him in the side.'
Likewise, the Evening Standard gave Odegaard a 9 out of 10 rating.
They said: 'Yet another majestic performance from the Norwegian, who has transformed Arsenal's attack since returning from injury. Won the penalty for Arsenal's fourth goal.
Other Arsenal players impressed on the night, with Jurrien Timber wowing Gunners fans with his brilliant display against Sporting and Declan Rice being hailed by Leon Osman.
