Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard was impressed by Declan Rice after their Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

The club captain, who has only played a few competitive games with Rice since the latter's arrival in the summer, has been welcoming new players into the fold.

Odegaard praised the likes of Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, but had special words in reserve for Rice this week.

"[Rice] has been absolutely brilliant in every game since he came in, and he showed it again today," Odegaard said after the win over Palace.

"On the ball he's comfortable, off the ball he gives us power in the middle."

"Great characters coming in so far, some good additions on the pitch but also off the pitch," Odegaard said back in July.

"They bring good quality and good energy so we have to make sure they adapt as quick as possible and help them to settle in. So it's nice to have them.

“I think it's been important for the club and the coaches to bring in some good characters off the pitch. It's important for the team. We need people to give energy. I feel like all of them are great guys.

“Now with the new signings and what we did last year I think the expectations are gonna go up. That's part of the game and we have to deal with it. All we can do is focus on our jobs and continue to work hard every day and that's what we're going to do."