'What I've seen from Martin Odegaard at Arsenal recently has surprised me' - ex-Scandinavian scout

Martin Odegaard has returned to Arsenal seemingly in better form and shape than he has been in a long time.

That is the opinion of former Aston Villa, Tottenham and Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 27-year-old scored and was exceptional against Manchester City on Sunday as Arsenal beat them 3-0 to win the Community Shield.

Odegaard has suffered with injuries and poor form over the last two years, but enjoyed a strong World Cup with Norway and now looks to be bubbling with confidence.

The Arsenal captain also appeared to be bolstered by the presence of new £75million arrival Bruno Guimaraes on the pitch next to him, with the pair linking up well.

There was even some talk about Odegaard potentially leaving before this summer but if he is back to his best, Arsenal would not dare even thinking about it.

It's the first time in ages that Martin Odegaard has been 'really fit'

At his best for Arsenal, Odegaard scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions.

The midfielder would single-handedly control games, dropping deep to build attacks before sometimes playing the final pass or even finishing the move himself.

That was how he looked on Sunday. The Norway international's cross was headed across by Christos Tzolis for Kai Havertz to score, and his own goal was typical.

Tzolis returned the favour for Odegaard, who touched the ball past the Man City defender before faking to send Gianluigi Donnarumma to the floor and passing into an open net.

"I think he's going to be a big plus for Arsenal, Guimaraes. He's a good player, and I'll tell you who did surprise me, Odegaard," King told Football Insider.

"I mean, he was winning challenges. Look, you know, he is a very, very good footballer. So I think it's because he's had a chance to recover from the World Cup and also enjoy family life and really get himself fit.

"I think it's the first time in ages that he's been really fit and it showed. I mean, some of his passing and his touches are fantastic, aren't they?"

Odegaard's display vs Man City in stats

Sunday was a special occasion for £116million signing Elliot Anderson, who was making his debut for Man City.

Unfortunately, the midfielder was given an induction of fire by Odegaard, who constantly tiptoed past him and found space off his shoulder.

The Norwegian misplaced just three of his 58 attempted passes, and completed all three of his attempted dribbles.

Odegaard was fouled once, won five duels and made nine recoveries, in what was a spectacular performance.