LONDON - Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta praised Martin Odegaard for his outstanding performance against West Ham United on Sunday (21/3) local time.

The Norwegian, on loan from Real Madrid, showed leadership and composure as he helped Arsenal save a point after a 3-3 draw.

"I think he has an outstanding performance," the Spain coach said at his post-match press conference.

"I think he is very smart with the way he prepares for the game, the way he influences the game," said Arteta.

"He showed how much he wanted to win. When everyone was shaking a little, he gave us that stability, calm on the ball and created chance after chance." He continued.

When asked if Odegaard was the leader on his team, Arteta replied, "He showed what I thought from the first week."

"The way he walks on the pitch and always wants the ball, the way he puts pressure, he is very influential.

"I think we were all surprised because he looks very shy and humble, but when he steps on the pitch he is a real character and he loves to play football," said Arteta.