Phillips makes bold prediction about ‘superstar’ Odegaard after Arsenal latest
Kevin Phillips insists Martin Odegaard will be an Arsenal success now he has signed for the club on a permanent basis.
The Sunderland legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted as the Gunners re-signed the man they took on loan last season.
Arsenal announced they had signed Odegaard, 22, on a permanent deal on 20 August.
The Norweigian impressed while on loan at The Emirates during the second half of last season.
He made 20 appearances and scored two goals in all competitions.
Phillips, an Arsenal fan, insists Odegaard can thrive but warned he is walking into a high-pressure situation.
“He’s a good player who’s only going to get better,” Phillips told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“We saw glimpses last season but it took him a while to settle.
“He’s a good young player and I think he needs a club where he can feel at home. It’s great to see.
“That will happen at Arsenal but he’s under pressure straight away. Coming in with a reputation adds to that.
“Not just him Arteta too, it’s going to be tough but that’s how you separate the superstars from the normal players.
“Bringing him back was a brilliant move, a no brainer really. He’s going to hit that next level.
“It’s an Arteta signing, so it has to go right for him but I have no doubts. He’s a great young talent.”
Odegaard leaves Real Madrid ending his six-year association with the club.
He has spent time on loan at Heerenveen and Real Sociedad before he arrived at Arsenal last winter.
In other news, Kieran Maguire: Arsenal ‘very lucky’ as new £40m deal agreed.