22 August 2023 , 21:58
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Martin Odegaard was impressed by Declan Rice before playing a single Premier League minute with his new colleague, and his latest comments show that position hasn't changed.
Arsenal's captain welcomed Rice into the fold during pre-season, with Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also completing permanent moves to the Emirates Stadium. He spoke highly of the new arrivals back in July, before they were joined by a fourth new face in the form of on-loan goalkeeper David Raya.
The new faces made a good impression before kicking a ball, and the results on the field have followed suit. While Timber's involvement this season will be limited due to injury, Rice earned more plaudits from his fellow midfielder after Monday's win at Crystal Palace.
"Great characters coming in so far, some good additions on the pitch but also off the pitch," Odegaard said in July. "They bring good quality and good energy so we have to make sure they adapt as quick as possible and help them to settle in. So it’s nice to have them.
“I think it’s been important for the club and the coaches to bring in some good characters off the pitch. It’s important for the team. We need people to give energy. I feel like all of them are great guys.
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“Now with the new signings and what we did last year I think the expectations are gonna go up. That’s part of the game and we have to deal with it. All we can do is focus on our jobs and continue to work hard every day and that’s what we’re going to do.”
How will Arsenal fare this season? Have your say in the comments section
Declan Rice has made a fast start to life at Arsenal (Getty Images)Club record signing Rice has played every minute of Arsenal's first two league games, which have brought victories against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. The second victory was achieved with 10 men, following Takehiro Tomiyasu's red card, and brought fresh praise for ex-West Ham man Rice.
"[Rice] has been absolutely brilliant in every game since he came in, and he showed it again today," Odegaard said after the win at Selhurst Park. "On the ball he's comfortable, off the ball he gives us power in the middle."
Arsenal will hope to continue their impressive start to the season when they play host to Fulham in their next Premier League game, with former Gunner Bernd Leno keen to keep them at bay. After that comes another home fixture, with Manchester United visiting the Emirates Stadium on September 3.
United are likely to be without new midfielder Mason Mount when they make the trip to North London. The England international picked up an injury in United's defeat against Spurs last time out, and isn't expected back before the international break.