Mikel Arteta's clear Martin Odegaard replacement plan as Alan Shearer makes 'brilliant' claim

Mikel Arteta would usually have a huge headache on his hands with Martin Odegaard’s persistent injury issues - but not any more. The Norwegian playmaker was once again withdrawn during Saturday’s win against West Ham United with a knee issue.

It was the third game in a row that Odegaard had been taken off prematurely. Given how key the former Real Madrid star has been under Arteta, worry over his absence would be understandable.

But following an impressive summer transfer window, it appears that Arsenal already have his ideal successor at the Emirates Stadium. Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi replaced his captain and slotted in alongside Declan Rice - with the pair dovetailing brilliantly.

Rice - who opened the scoring against his former side - earned plenty of praise from pundit Alan Shearer. He said: “Declan Rice was that little sitter in midfield, and there’s nothing wrong with that – he’s very, very good at it and Arsenal were still creating the chances and getting into reasonable forward positions.”

He continued: “Second half, off he goes, he’s brilliant at doing that, I think he’s a better player at doing that in that position than he is sitting. Albeit that he can do both jobs equally well.”

And while Rice was at the forefront of Arsenal’s attacking play, Zubimendi certainly stepped up to the plate too. The Spaniard provided 11 line-breaking passes throughout his time on the pitch - more than any other player - with two of those directly leading to goals.

Coupled with the two Premier League goals that he has already scored this season, Zubimendi is proving to be a quality addition to Arsenal’s midfield. Speaking about the player, Arsenal boss Arteta said: “Especially the way they [West Ham] acted and the way they were matching our midfield and the spaces that we could create with Zubi.

“I think it was better they didn't have an intention to play or combine in the first phase as well so that was great. A lot of direct play, second balls and we wanted to create, to make sure that we could control that, to dominate the game in the areas that we wanted and that's the reason why.”

And Arteta is equally aware that his side might need to show some versatility in the centre of the park should Odegaard be ruled out for any period of time. He added: “We need more and more chemistry and we needed a longer period because the first part, until they start to live it and find the solutions and the tools that are going to allow them to flourish, but it never happened because it was too early with Martin’s injury.”

Arsenal will now keep a close eye on Odegaard as the international break brings domestic action to a pause. But even if he fails to recover in time for their next outing against Fulham, Arteta’s worry over a replacement has certainly been alleviated.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.