Arsenal Q&A: Odegaard, the new season and players to watch

We put your Arsenal questions to our chief football news reporter Simon Stone, who has watched the Gunners during their tour of the United States.

Joe asked: How is Martin Odegaard looking? He’s seemed like a bit of a machine this pre-season.

Simon replied: One of the major plusses for me in covering pre-season tours in the United States is that matches are played overnight [UK time], which means I get to watch far more of the game that is normally the case, when I usually have my head over my laptop.

That has given me the chance to truly appreciate Odegaard.

There was a moment against Bournemouth last week where he controlled the ball, then released a team-mate with a backheel in almost the same motion. Aside from fitness, speed and strength, awareness and execution are the abilities that take players beyond being simply talented. Odegaard has both. As long as he stays fit, Arsenal will not be too far away from the major prizes.

Zack asked: Who should we keep an eye on as a surprise star for the team this coming season?

Simon replied: If you are talking youngsters, Ethan Nwaneri has impressed on the tour. But it is asking a lot for a 17-year-old to make an impact at a club like Arsenal.

This would hardly be a surprise but I am looking forward to seeing how Jurrien Timber adapts to the Premier League. He was sensational in pre-season last year and has looked good on this trip also. We need to see whether he has recovered from his major knee injury well enough to make the impact anticipated 12 months ago.

Bearing in mind he is capable of operating in a number of different positions, he certainly has the potential to be a star.