December 3rd 2024.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently made an interesting comparison between his two star players, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, and the iconic trio of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets from Barcelona. As a former player for the Catalan club, Arteta sees similarities between the two sets of players and has high hopes for the young duo.
Iniesta, Xavi, and Busquets are widely recognized as some of the best midfielders of their time, helping Barcelona achieve numerous victories and trophies. Arteta believes that Saka and Odegaard possess a similar chemistry on the field, which is a crucial element for any successful team. He made this observation during a press conference, where he was asked about the impressive performances of his two players.
"I've seen center-backs and midfielders having a strong connection on the field," Arteta said, "and it always reminds me of the legendary trio from Barcelona. It was simply unbelievable how well they understood each other's movements without even having to exchange a look. Similarly, our two center-backs have a natural chemistry that is quite remarkable. We need to nurture and develop this even further because it's something that cannot be measured, but it definitely makes the team stronger."
Arteta also reflected on Saka's growth as a player, especially since his first game under Arteta's management where he was deployed as a left-back against AFC Bournemouth in 2019. Over time, Arteta has come to appreciate Saka's unique skillset and his ability to create opportunities for his team.
"Day by day, I started to understand him and see his potential to generate positive relationships within the team," Arteta shared. "I was convinced that left-back was not his long-term position and that the team needed a different kind of creativity and threat, which Saka could provide. We shifted him to the left and then to the right, and it became evident that he felt more comfortable on the right. Now, he has a vital role in our team and has even been the deciding factor in some of our matches. He has earned the right to be in that position, but at the same time, he remains humble, approachable, and likable to everyone."
Arteta's comparison between Saka and Odegaard and the legendary trio from Barcelona is not only a compliment to the young players but also a testament to their potential and the chemistry they possess on the field. As they continue to grow and develop their skills, Arteta hopes that they will help lead Arsenal to success, just like Iniesta, Xavi, and Busquets did for Barcelona.
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