The young Norway star is the club captain, with Arteta often effusive of his leadership skills.
However, he singled out Odegaard for the way he has been playing after a 2-0 win over Luton Town.
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"He's made huge steps, his presence, the way he's behaving himself in front of the group and the standard that he sets is outstanding," said Arteta when asked how Odegaard fits into the group.
"He's got a lot of players as well to support him and the rest to follow with him."
Arteta added: "He's a really important player we needed that balance and as well the chemistry that certain players have because it's how they train as well, and how we build those connections and relationships, and Martin is there to connect everything well in how we play."