Arsenal star backs Odegaard to become a top player in the future.

Arsenal star rates loan signing Odegaard. [Getty]

Arsenal defender Cedric Soares is convinced that Martin Odegaard has a bright future ahead of him.

Odegaard secured a loan-move from Real Madrid to Arsenal during the winter transfer window and has been impressive so far under Mikel Arteta.

The Norwegian midfielder made his first Premier League start in the Gunners’ 4-2 win over Leeds on Sunday and received praise for his performance on the day.

However, Cedric has been surprised by the 22-year-old's composure in the training ground, adding that he will bring lots more to the north London side.

"He has been excellent," Cedric said as the Mirror reported. "He’s a very nice guy.

"He’s talking with everyone and speaks lots of Spanish, so he has been talking with everyone.

"I think all the team is welcoming him very well. He had a good game in the last game, when he started.

"I think he had a good game. We won the game so everything was positive. Right now, I just have positive things to say about him.

"He’s a calm person but I think he’s bringing a lot of quality to the squad and he has been excellent. I’m sure he will keep growing as a player. He has a big future ahead of him."

Arteta’s side are set to face Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday night, and it is believed Odegaard will be in the starting lineup.

Arteta said of the loan signing following his Arsenal debut: "Big credit to him. His first Premier League start against Leeds, considering he’s not played much football in three months, he was great.

"To run the way he did, the way he was comfortable and creative on the ball and the personality he showed was great."

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