Kevin De Bruyne has described Arsenal as potentially the best team in the world after Napoli were beaten by Mikel Arteta's side in their Champions League opener.
The reigning Premier League champions continued their perfect start to the season with a hard-fought victory in Naples, although their dominance was not reflected by the narrow scoreline.
Arsenal wasted several opportunities before captain Martin Odegaard finally broke through in the 75th minute, securing another statement away victory for Arteta's side.
De Bruyne agrees Arsenal could be world's best
De Bruyne was asked after the match whether Napoli had just faced "maybe the best team in the world right now".
The former Manchester City midfielder agreed with that assessment.
"I agree, they are the champions of England and they lost the last Champions League final on penalties so we know how strong they are," De Bruyne said.
Arsenal won their first Premier League title since 2004 last season before coming agonisingly close to completing a remarkable double, losing the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Their response this season has been impressive, with the Napoli result extending their perfect opening to five consecutive victories.
Napoli forced deep by dominant Arsenal
De Bruyne nevertheless felt Napoli could take positives from their performance against such strong opposition.
The Belgian admitted his side were forced too deep for periods during the second half but believes Napoli are beginning to improve.
"We had some moments where we created, of course we had to stay low sometimes and in the second half we gave them a little bit too much," he explained.
Arteta was similarly impressed by Arsenal's authority in a difficult European environment, praising the personality and conviction his players demonstrated.
The Arsenal manager felt his side created enough opportunities to have won far more comfortably.
Odegaard makes decisive contribution
Ultimately, it was Odegaard who ensured Arsenal's dominance produced three points.
The captain's 75th-minute winner continued his excellent start to the campaign, taking him to three goals this season.
Declan Rice believes a fully fit Odegaard can make a significant difference after injuries disrupted his previous campaign.
"When he's at the top of his game he makes us a better team," Rice said.
Arsenal may have required patience to finally break Napoli down, but receiving such significant praise from De Bruyne underlines just how highly Arteta's reigning English champions are currently regarded.
Key Points
- Kevin De Bruyne agreed with the suggestion that Arsenal could currently be the best team in the world.
- Martin Odegaard scored the 75th-minute winner as Arsenal beat Napoli in their Champions League opener.
- The victory extended Arsenal's perfect start to five matches this season.
- Arteta felt the narrow result did not reflect Arsenal's dominance and praised his team's personality in Naples.
- Declan Rice believes a fully fit Odegaard makes Arsenal a significantly stronger team.
What's Next?
Arsenal's challenge is now to turn their impressive early-season form into another sustained push for the biggest trophies.
After winning the Premier League and coming within a penalty shootout of the Champions League last season, De Bruyne's comments show Arsenal are no longer merely aspiring to join Europe's elite. In the eyes of one of the Premier League's most decorated modern players, they may already be setting the standard.
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