Arsenal: Martin Odegaard reveals key area he is helping 'quality' talent Max Dowman develop | OneFootball

Odegaard ‘excited’ about potential of Dowman and fellow teenage starlet Marli Salmon

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Martin Odegaard is mentoring Arsenal starlets Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, drawing on his own experiences as a teenage wonderkid to help them adjust to life around the first team.

The pair have caught the eye, with Dowman especially impressive during a 3-2 win over Newcastle last Sunday.

Dowman won a penalty, which Odegaard scored to win the match, and Arteta described his performance as “special”.

Max Dowman has impressed for Arsenal on their pre-season tour of Asia

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Odegaard has been impressed by both Dowman and Salmon, and he is helping them settle into the first-team environment.

The midfielder has experience of making such a step, having been just 16 when he joined Real Madrid in 2015.

“To be fair, I think the whole squad is really good in this way, to help young players,” said Odegaard. “And as you say, with those two there, they’re so young and so much quality.

“I think, myself, I just try to share my experience, guide them in the right direction, help them to keep the right mindset, because you can see that the quality is obviously there.

“So, it’s just trying to help them to have the right mindset and to help them feel good in the team and to let them shine and do their thing.

Dowman and Marli Salmon have made a good impression on the Arsenal squad

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“They’ve been amazing on this tour and you can all see the quality. It’ll be exciting to see them in the future.”

Odegaard is also helping new signing Viktor Gyokeres settle after he completed his move from Sporting last week.

The striker has trained with his new team-mates over the past two days and could make his debut against Tottenham on Thursday.

“I think you’ve all seen what he’s done in his career so far,” said Odegaard. “Especially the last season at Sporting, the numbers speak for themselves.

“He’s a very complete player. He’s physical, strong, fast, good finisher, and intelligent as well.

“I think he’s a very complete striker and you can also see the hunger, the energy he brings. I’m really excited to have him with the team.

Viktor Gyokeres could make his Arsenal debut against Tottenham on Thursday

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“He’s only trained a few times, but you can already see the quality, the energy, and the willingness. I’m excited to have a pitch with him.

“With the language and everything, it’s been easier for me to help him. We can speak our own language.

“Scandinavians, they always bond well together. So, in that way, it’s been really natural. But to be fair, it’s like with any player.

“Every new player, we try to help them in the best possible way. That’s what I felt when I came here. I felt at home straight away.

“I felt how good the culture and environment was to get into. Everyone just wants to help you and get the best out of you.

“Then it’s important also how you do things off the pitch. That’s what we all do. So we’re just here to help. So far, he’s having a good time, I think.”