Arsenal favourite Gilberto Silva has delivered his verdict on new loan signing Martin Odegaard.
The 22-year-old will spend the remainder of the season at the Emirates Stadium as his move from Real Madrid was officially confirmed on Wednesday and he's in line to make his debut against Manchester United.
Whether the Norway international starts the game remains to be seen, but Gilberto believes the midfielder has escaped an 'uncomfortable situation' by joining Arsenal.
Under Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, Odegaard was limited to just nine appearances across all competitions during the first half of the season, and a move to north London should provide him with more game time.
And Gilberto thinks the playmaker will be a welcome addition to Mikel Arteta's first-team squad.
"I hope Odegaard does well for the team, moving from one big club to another big club, he is going to have all the support necessary to adapt and help the team," Gilberto told Betfair.
"I hope he adapts quick because Arsenal need everyone to be sharp and to perform in every game, it doesn't matter who is there on the field, all the players need to be ready.
"For Odegaard coming on loan, it's a good experience for him to get games, players want to be on the pitch playing every week and when you are not there it's a very uncomfortable situation to be in, it's tough for every player to sit on the bench.
"I hope he can help Arsenal with his abilities and I'll be following his progress."
Meanwhile, Gilberto has insisted that there's still plenty to come from Nicolas Pepe as well as summer signing Willian who is yet to show his best form since arriving from Chelsea.
"Willian’s performances have dropped a little bit recently, but for me he is still a good player, maybe he doesn't always perform to what people expect from him, but I hope he can still do well and help Arsenal," Gilberto added.
"I like what I have seen from Pepe so far, but I think he needs to keep going at defenders and not stop when he comes up against them because he's fast and he has got quality, when he gets the ball he just needs to go forward, dribble around defenders and don't stop to give them a chance.
"I believe in his ability and quality and I'm sure he has a lot to add to the club."
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