Arteta plays down comparisons between Martin Odegaard and David Silva

Arteta

joined

as

Pep Guardiola

's assistant in 2016, spending three years in the Etihad Stadium before taking over as

's head coach.

In that time in Manchester, Arteta used to coach Spanish midfielder,

.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over

, Arteta said it is too early to compare

with Manchester City legend David Silva.

"That’s a big name,"

Arteta replied (via

).

"My opinion is the player [Silva] is the best I’ve seen playing between the lines for the last 20 years.

"Martin has a big capacity to unlock situations. I’m really happy. He’s improving now in his goal threat as well. He’s very willing to become one of the best but it’s still very early."

The Norway international has scored three goals and contributed one assist in his last five games - including two goals against

and

.

Follow

for the