Arsenal: Mikel Arteta compares Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard chemistry to Barcelona greats | OneFootball

The Gunners pair likened to trophy-laden trio of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Xavi shared

Mikel Arteta believes the chemistry between Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard is reminiscent of the understanding Barcelona’s famous midfield of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Xavi shared.

Odegaard and Saka have been in fine form of late and Arsenal have won three games on the spin going into Wednesday’s clash with Manchester United.

The Gunners have scored 13 goals in that time, with Odegaard and Saka at the heart of their attacking play.

It has been reminiscent of last season, when Odegaard and Saka created 40 open-play chances for each other in the Premier League - more than any other pair.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

And asked about their chemistry, Arteta said: “I’ve seen centre-backs, I’ve seen midfielders between them having… I always think about Barcelona with Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta - it was unbelievable.

“They didn’t even need to look at themselves. Our two centre-backs - naturally there is a chemistry there that is unbelievable.

Saka has been inspired by Odegaard’s return and only Mohamed Salah has been involved in more goals and assists in the Premier League this season.

It is in stark contrast to when Arteta joined the club and Saka originally broke into the team under him playing at left-back.

He is the main figure ... He’s a very established player right now and is deciding matches for us

Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka

“Day by day, I started to understand him and see the skillset and the relationships he could generate in the team,” he said.

“I was convinced that long-term, medium-term that (left-back) wasn’t his position and the team needed another kind of threat, creativity and that he could provide those moments.

“We moved him, first to the left and then to the right, and we started to see naturally it was the position in which he felt more comfortable.

“The way he presents himself, the way he talks, the decisions that he makes. He has a massive role in the team.

“He is the main figure, with two or three players at the club. He plays for the national team. He is a very established player right now and he is deciding matches for us.

“He has earned the right to be that way but at the same time he has stayed so humble, close and charming to everybody.”