Martin Odegaard (22 years old) vindicates himself every week. In each meeting he disputes, he arms himself with reason to justify the decision he made when he asked to leave in the last summer market and it is difficult to understand the reasons why Zidane hardly gave him opportunities. The Norwegian is confirming in a football as demanding as the Englishman everything he showed during his loan to Real Sociedad last year.
He has become the differential footballer for Arteta in the midfielder based on good performances. The last one, against West Ham last Sunday. His team went 3-0 behind on the scoreboard and it was then that the madridista stepped forward and led a reaction that ended at 3-3. He did not score or assist, but the whole team played at the pace he set.
His excellent performance has double merit, because in record time he has overcome all the obstacles that were presented to him. He arrived in London without rhythm due to the few opportunities given to Zidane, to a new football and with a team that had found Smith Rowe in his demarcation, one of the sensations of the season. None of that has stopped him. The rhythm took a few weeks to pick it up, the Premier suits him well and with Smith Rowe, who Arteta has displaced the band to play together, it is understood wonderfully.
A future in white
The level offered by the Norwegian in England reaffirms the white leaders, who believe that he is a fundamental piece for the future of the club. The one who is not so clear is Odegaard himself. Asked this Tuesday about his future, he assured: “I have not thought about what will happen in the summer. The deal with Arsenal is until the end of the season. We will see what happens this summer. I have said things before that I continue to defend: stability and development are keywords”.
In any case, the Norwegian could not hide his good relationship with Arteta: “I get along very well with him. Is incredible. I have a lot to learn from him. I just need to 'sharpen my ears' and pay attention. It's fantastic”