Mikel Arteta has challenged Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to replicate the “incredible” chemistry between Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, Barcelona’s all-time greatest midfielder.
Odegaard’s return from an ankle injury sparked a dramatic change in Arsenal’s form, netting 13 goals as they secured three wins in a week and anchored Saka’s best football.
So far this season only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (18) has contributed more Premier League goals than Saka’s 15.
Last season, Odegaard passed the ball to Saka more times (322 times) than any other non-defender combination apart from Manchester City duo Mateo Kovacic and Rodri, and they created 40 chances for each other from open play.
Asked whether he had ever seen a better understanding between the two players, Arteta referred to Barcelona’s legendary trio, who have played together 182 times, winning 68 per cent of their matches, in addition to winning the World Cup and Euros with Spain.
“They can be (the best) in this case because they are attacking midfielders and wingers,” Arteta said of Odegaard and Saka.
“But I’ve seen the centre-backs, I’ve seen the midfielders in between them… I always think of Barcelona with Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta. It was unbelievable. They didn’t even have to look at each other. .
“Our two centre-backs (William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães) obviously have unbelievable chemistry.
“So try to get better and better because there are some things that are very difficult to put into numbers, but naturally the closer you are and the more relationships you have, the better your team is.”
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho said earlier this week that Saka, 23, could be a Ballon d’Or contender if he believes in him.
Speaking about how the England international has developed in recent years, Arteta continued: “The way he expresses himself, the way he speaks, the decisions he makes. He plays a big role in the team. He is a key figure with two or three players at the club.
“He is playing for the national team. He is a very established player now and is deciding games for us. He has earned the right to do so, but at the same time he is very humble, close and attractive to everyone.”
