Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta turned 39 during the week and was gifted applause from players Willian and Martin Odegaard.

Although the Gunners are sitting in ninth, the Spaniard is building and developing a very talented and young Arsenal team.

His work has been recognised by fans, but recently he has gained praise and trust from his players.

The Norwegian and the Brazilian believe that Arteta is the man to take Arsenal forward.

Odegaard blown away

The attacking midfielder joined Arsenal in January on loan from Real Madrid, and since his arrival he has been shocked by the talent of the Arsenal boss.

Odegaard expressed his amazement while working under Arteta:

"Amazing! He is a really, really good coach, really intelligent, he knows all the details in the game.

"He’s a master of seeing the details. And the way he’s coaching us and helping us to achieve things, we’re lucky to have him."

The 22 year old joined Real Madrid aged 16 and has yet to consistently impact Zinedine Zidane's squad, having three other loan spells, including a success season at Real Sociedad .

However, since playing in North London the Norwegian has already developed and impressed, and yet has so much to learn from the Spanish boss:

"So many things to learn [from him], and as I said, about the details, that’s something I really like and I find it interesting. So, yeah, it’s very nice to have him as a coach."

As well as developments on the pitch, there has been developments behind the scenes, with a potential permanent contract for the attacking midfielder.

While away on international duty Odegaard has expressed his happiness at Arsenal, as well as the influence of Mikel Arteta. 

Potentially, due to the work of the Arsenal manager, Gooners may see the Norwegian regularly in North London next season.

Brazilian Willian in full voice

Although Willian has not had the greatest season, he has begun to come to himself, achieving four assists in his last five appearances for the Gunners

The attacker is a huge fan of Arteta and believes that he is the man to bring glory to the Emirates:

"I believe Arsenal has the potential to be a great project, it is a great club, it is in the hands of a good coach who has everything to become one of the best coaches in the world.

"Arsenal has everything it takes to be a power again, to fight for titles, to return to play in the Champions League, this is what all the players hope for."

As well as Arteta having the chance to become one of the greats, on a personal level with players, he is real father figure for this growing Arsenal team.

Willian described how the Spaniard works with players one on one:

"He always tries to talk to the players individually, even on the field, when the training ends he calls the player, explains what he wants from the player, how to position himself, receive the ball.

"In short, he is always trying to help the players. He has really been doing a great job, he has always been looking after the players in the best possible way, giving ideas, instructing, showing what he wants. Arsenal are in good hands."

Future for Arsenal and Arteta

This praise is great news for Arsenal fans. There is now a trust that has been missing for some time in the Arsenal camp, which has been revived due to influence of Arteta.

Once the international break ends, players will return to London Colney in preparation for Liverpool on the third of April, as well as a Europa League quarter-final first leg against Slavia Prague.

A moral boost for Arteta and his squad is key for success this season as we approach the end of a very inconsistent campaign.

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