Mikel Arteta has issued an invigorating challenge to Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, encouraging them to emulate the legendary midfield synergy reminiscent of Barcelona’s iconic trio: Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets. This call to action comes on the heels of Ødegaard’s recent return from an ankle injury, a development that has sparked a revival in Arsenal’s performance. The team has enjoyed an impressive winning streak, racking up three victories in just a week while finding the net 13 times, with Saka playing a pivotal role in their attacking play.
Saka’s current form underscores his importance in the squad. With 15 goal involvements this season—second only to Mohamed Salah’s 18 in the Premier League—Saka’s impact cannot be overstated. Arteta’s ambition for Saka and Ødegaard to build on their already impressive connection speaks volumes to their potential. Last season, Ødegaard and Saka linked up exceptionally well, with Ødegaard providing the most passes to Saka than any other non-defensive player in the league, totaling 322. Their partnership is not just about quantity, as evidenced by the 40 chances they created for each other from open play, highlighting a significant understanding that Arteta is eager to expand upon.
Arteta’s aspiration for his young midfielders is rooted in the history of football’s most successful partnerships. The legendary Barcelona trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets set a standard with their 182 appearances together, achieving a remarkable 68% win rate during their tenure. With such high-caliber examples, Arteta believes that Ødegaard, as an attacking midfielder, and Saka, as a winger, have the potential to reach similar heights. The art of playing seamlessly without explicit communication—a hallmark of the aforementioned Barcelona trio—invokes a vision of what Arsenal could attain with continued development.
Despite being in a different position, centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have also exhibited a natural chemistry on the field that mirrors the understanding expected from midfielders. Arteta emphasizes that nurturing these connections is crucial to the team’s success, as the chemistry formed on the pitch enhances the overall performance.
Midfielder Jorginho recently made an intriguing assertion about Saka’s potential for individual accolades, suggesting that the young talent could be in contention for the coveted Ballon d’Or if he learns to harness his self-belief. Arteta’s praise for Saka extends beyond this season; he notes the evolution of Saka as a player, highlighting his self-presentation, decision-making, and competitive spirit. He has transitioned into a central figure within the Arsenal setup, sharing this responsibility with just a handful of teammates.
Saka’s regular involvement with the England national team further underscores his development into a formidable player on both domestic and international stages. As he consistently contributes to Arsenal’s success, his influence in crucial matches proves vital. In light of Arteta’s ambitions, the synergy between him and Ødegaard could indeed herald a new era for the Gunners, drawing them closer to footballing greatness reminiscent of the best teams in history.