Ally McCoist hails Martin Odegaard’s ‘absolute genius’ assist for Leandro Trossard against Porto as Rio Ferdinand labels the Arsenal captain as a ‘locksmith’

Ally McCoist couldn’t contain himself as he heaped praise on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s ‘absolutely unbelievable’ assist for Leandro Trossard’s opening goal against Porto.

Trossard produced the decisive final touch to level the aggregate scoreline in the second-leg clash with a powerful finish across goal, but it was Odegaard’s build-up play that impressed McCoist the most.

The legendary Scotland star hailed the build-up play from the Gunners skipper and described the midfielder as a ‘genius’ for his involvement.

‘Absolute genius look at this touch here. Back onside, the weight of that pass, he takes it other side of Pepe and plays it inside fullback, taking nothing away from goalscorer. 

Ally McCoist couldn’t contain himself as he heaped praise on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard ‘s ‘absolutely unbelievable’ assist against Porto

Leandro Trossard scored the opening goal of the game as Arsenal went level on aggregate

‘Bang, bang, that is magnificent, unbelievable. He knocks Joao Mario off balance, completely off balance and Trossard does the rest. 

‘What a touch, what a finish, what a goal,’ he added.

The goal saw Odegaard produce a piece of outstanding skill as he initially pulled the ball behind his standing leg before shifting his weight to create space.

The 25-year-old then threaded a pinpoint pass through Porto’s deep-set defence that Trossard ran onto and tucked past the goalkeeper.

Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand similarly raved about Odegaard’s chance-creation as he praised the Arsenal star’s ‘vision’.

Speaking at half time, Ferdinand rejoiced: ‘Fantastically worked goal, I think this is the only time we’ve seen Odegaard face up on the edge of Porto’s box. 

McCoist heaped praise on Arsenal captain Odegaard for his assist to unlock Porto’s defence

Odegaard produced pinpoint accuracy and skill as he unlocked Porto’s deep-set defence

‘Wow wasn’t it wonderful when he got there is clarity, his vision. He shifts it back onto his left foot. That’s a trigger for Odegaard to move on. He gets it through the eye of a needle.

‘It’s a wonderful finish in the end but the move is what I love here the movement and timing of Odegaard listen, this is seventh assist this season, imagine last season.

‘Look at that little bit of time you can’t give somebody like that a locksmith, the keys there and the time to open you up because he will do it. It’s a wonderful pass. 

‘Look at that inch perfect and a great finish,’ he added.