'He's going to have a big season' - Jamie Carragher wowed by Arsenal player who's 'the next De Bruyne'
Martin Odegaard was superb as Arsenal began the defence of their Premier League title with a 3-0 win over Coventry City.
The Norwegian bagged the third in the second half, after Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka had found the openers.
It was a harsh introduction to the Premier League for the Championship winners, who could have conceded more.
Odegaard has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and has not been at his best, but after a strong World Cup campaign with Norway and a superb start to the season, it is hoped that he may be back to his brightest.
There was also an Arsenal Premier League debut for Christos Tzolis, who impressed massively on the night.
Fellow new signing Bruno Guimaraes missed out with a slight knock, while Ezri Konsa was introduced before the game and is expected to make his debut against his former side, Aston Villa.
Jamie Carragher lauds 'new Martin Odegaard'
Odegaard kicked off his season with a superb performance as Arsenal won the Community Shield last week.
The Norwegian scored and was on the scoresheet again on Friday, finishing a superb move with a scuffed finish that bobbled past Carl Rushworth.
It was the Arsenal captain's all-round display that was so impressive, however. Odegaard also created three chances and won one free kick.
His defensive work was superb, completing three tackles, a clearance, four recoveries and all while winning all of his ground duels.
"A really clever pass from Declan Rice, as soon as the Coventry players moves the ball is in to Martin Odegaard, the goalkeeper has got to do better, it's almost a double hit from Odegaard," Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports.
"He is going to have a big season. He was outstanding in the summer at the World Cup. It's a new season, and we're seeing a new Martin Odegaard," he added.
"A few seasons I thought he was doing what Kevin de Bruyne did at Manchester City. Then he wasn't himself but at the end of last season I thought he was brilliant. He was outstanding last weekend for the Community Shield."
Odegaard's new partner in crime
When Odegaard was at his best, he was able to effortlessly combine with Saka and Ben White.
There was much of that on Friday, but with the introduction of a new exciting face in the Arsenal attack.
Tzolis was seemingly given license to go wherever he pleased, often popping up in the middle to combine with Odegaard.
The winger looks to be an inspired addition for the Premier League champions and a new ally for the Arsenal captain.