Barcelona Blog
Two years ago, Martin Odegaard joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in an initial loan deal until the end of the 2020/21 season, which ended with the English club activating the purchase option for 40 million euros.
The Norwegian player, who was once dubbed as one of the most talented youngsters in Europe, moved on loan to Emirates Stadium on January 27, 2021, after struggling for opportunities to feature with Los Blancos. Odegaard was firmly out of favor at Madrid and made 11 first-team appearances in a tumultuous six-year spell.
Having helped Arsenal top the Premier League table this season, Odegaard is undoubtedly hoping to continue his form and turn into the player Real Madrid hoped he would be only years ago since joining. There is another aspect that Odegaard seems to have improved after his move to the London club, which is his mentality, and this was evident in his expectations for the title.
“Frankly, we don’t care about City or any other team,” he said on Monday. We expected them to win so this wasn’t a big surprise. We just focused on our game. The way we beat Manchester United also gives us a special feeling that will help us as well.”
He added: “It’s a long season. We are only halfway there and there are many games to play so we have to be calm and humble. Our only focus is the next match and that’s all that matters. We have to keep our focus.”
His excellent form has tipped him to win the Ballon d’Or in the near future. Since he will have to compete with the likes of Mbappe and Bellingham for the award, it may be hard to come by but anything is possible in football.
However, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes the only club that can tempt Odegaard to go so far now is Barcelona.
Ferdinand said: “I would go so far as to say right now, he’s probably my best player this year. If Haaland reduces the number of goals he scores and Arsenal wins the league and Odegaard continues at this level, he will be the best player this year. The only place he could go is a place like Barcelona. If they come, it will be a different conversation.”
Source: Mirror
