Arteta Challenges Saka and Ødegaard to Replicate Legendary Barcelona Chemistry
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has thrown down the gauntlet to his star players, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, urging them to emulate the “unbelievable” chemistry of Barcelona’s iconic midfield trio: Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets. It’s a lofty comparison, but one that Arteta believes is within reach for his dynamic duo.
Ødegaard’s return from an ankle injury has been nothing short of transformative for Arsenal. The Gunners have been on fire, winning three games in a single week and racking up an astonishing 13 goals in the process. At the heart of this resurgence? None other than Saka, who has been instrumental in orchestrating Arsenal’s best football of the season.
To put Saka’s brilliance into perspective, only Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has more Premier League goal involvements this season, with 18 compared to Saka’s impressive 15. The numbers don’t lie—Saka is in elite company.
Ødegaard and Saka: A Partnership in the Making
Last season, the connection between Ødegaard and Saka was already making waves. The Norwegian midfielder passed the ball to Saka 322 times, a figure that was only outdone by the Manchester City pairing of Mateo Kovačić and Rodri among non-defenders. Together, Ødegaard and Saka created 40 chances in open play for each other, showcasing a budding partnership that could soon rival the best in the game.
When asked if he had ever seen a better understanding between two players, Arteta didn’t hesitate to reference Barcelona’s legendary trio. Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets played together 182 times, winning an incredible 68% of their games and dominating on the international stage with Spain, where they won both the World Cup and the Euros.
“They can be [the best] in this case because they are an attacking midfielder and a winger,” Arteta said of Ødegaard and Saka. “But I’ve seen center 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 each other.”
Building Chemistry Across the Pitch
Arteta also highlighted the natural chemistry between Arsenal’s center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. “Our two center backs—Saliba and Gabriel—naturally there is a chemistry there that is unbelievable,” he said. “So, try to develop those more and more because there is something there that is very difficult to put a number to it. But it’s close in a natural way, and the more relationships you have, the better the team.”
Saka’s Rise to Stardom
At just 23 years old, Saka is already being touted as a potential Ballon d’Or contender. Arsenal midfielder Jorginho recently praised Saka, saying he could achieve the prestigious honor if he continues to believe in himself.
Arteta echoed those sentiments, emphasizing Saka’s growth both on and off the pitch. “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,” Arteta said. “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.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With Ødegaard back in the fold and Saka firing on all cylinders, Arsenal fans have every reason to be optimistic. The Gunners are not just winning games—they’re doing so in style, with a brand of football that is as entertaining as it is effective. If Ødegaard and Saka can continue to build on their already impressive partnership, there’s no telling how far this Arsenal team can go.
As Arteta works to develop these relationships across the pitch, one thing is clear: the Gunners are aiming high, and their young stars are leading the charge. Could Saka and Ødegaard truly replicate the magic of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets? Only time will tell, but the early signs are certainly promising.
Originally Written by: James Olley
