Could Martin Odegaard's arrival spell the end for Dani Ceballos?
Could Martin Odegaard's arrival spell the end for Dani Ceballos?
By Peter White
The arrival of Martin Odegaard has served as a boost to the optimism surrounding Arsenal, with the attacking midfielder putting pen to paper on an exciting loan deal until the end of the season earlier this week.
The 22-year-old was lauded as one of the brightest prospects in world football when he was snapped up by Real Madrid aged 16, and though he has perhaps not quite reached such heights, he undoubtedly possesses star quality.
While limited to just nine appearances for Real during 2020/21, Odegaard enjoyed a prolific campaign on loan at Real Sociedad last year, during which only five players - including Lionel Messi and Arsenal legend Santi Cazorla - created more scoring chances than the young Norwegian in La Liga.
Odegaard’s presence in the Arsenal team is likely to ease the pressure on the shoulders of youngster Emile Smith Rowe, providing the key to chance creation and goals that could help the Gunners complete their charge into the European places.
Saturday’s crunch clash with Manchester United could see Odegaard make his debut in Arsenal red, with Mikel Arteta’s charges looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven games.
Among a number of players facing late fitness tests ahead of the weekend is midfielder Dani Ceballos, who Odegaard says helped convince him to make his temporary switch to north London.
“Yes, [Dani] text me the other day and he had only good things to say about the club, the manager and everything,” Odegaard said.
“That was also important for me and he was happy for me to come here, so that was a good thing for me, to know someone here and to hear from someone inside the club as well.”
While seemingly keen to talk up Arsenal, Ceballos - who is also on loan at the Emirates from Real Madrid - has divided opinion during his time at the club, with some suggesting he might soon be on his way back to the Spanish capital.
Having only provided three assists in the Premier League in 40 appearances since his initial move from the Bernabeu in the summer of 2019, could the signing of Odegaard be the latest sign that the Spaniard is edging closer to the exit door?
On his way?
Possibly the main argument for Ceballos returning to the Spanish champions before his loan runs out at the end of the season is that he has simply failed to make the desired impact under compatriot Arteta.
Despite making 37 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions last season - including playing a key role in Arsenal’s run to FA Cup success - the 24-year-old has struggled to cement his place in the XI this year.
Injuries have been an issue, but during Arsenal’s six-game unbeaten run in the league since Boxing Day, Ceballos has made only three appearances, and just two as part of the starting line-up.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have taken their chances in central midfield in recent wins over Southampton and Newcastle United, and the versatile Odegaard represents another option in that position, alongside the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Joe Willock.
Certainly, Martin Keown expressed his concern about Ceballos’ prospects in the wake of Odegaard’s arrival. He said: “Does it mean [Dani] Ceballos will go? He’s on loan as well.
“Is he going to get football? Real Madrid may be concerned, he hasn’t played that much so far.”
While rumours circulate about Madrid potentially finding Ceballos another club where he might enjoy more playing time, the player himself suggested earlier this month that his long-term future at least does lie away from the Emirates.
He said: “My goal is to succeed at Arsenal. My wish is to wear the Madrid shirt. I signed a long contract with Madrid. I have two-and-a-half-years left.”
Though Ceballos has shown plenty of passion and drive during his time at Arsenal - including those infamous spats with Eddie Nketiah and David Luiz - might now be the best time to bid farewell to the Spain international?
Room for two?
Although Odegaard could undoubtedly do a job in Ceballos’ preferred position deeper in midfield, the Norwegian’s prowess in the No.10 slot suggests the duo aren’t going to be in direct competition for a space in the team.
If anything, the pair’s familiarity with each other could serve as a benefit to Arsenal’s prospects going forward, with their text conversation signalling that they already have a good relationship off the field.
Indeed, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague believes Arteta is keen to secure the permanent services of both Odegaard and Ceballos, having said during a Q&A session recently: “I think Arsenal will try to talk to Real Madrid about both Odegaard and Ceballos at the end of the season.
“Odegaard has got a plan to go back to Real Madrid, but maybe he feels that another year away will help.”
While he may have struggled to find his best form recently, Ceballos has shown flashes of his quality - particularly last season - and it’s likely that he’ll prove a useful option when back to full fitness, especially with the Europa League to consider.
Even if Ceballos doesn’t stay at Arsenal for the long term, his good attitude and commitment can hardly be questioned, and those very traits could be key to keeping Arsenal’s other midfielders on their toes going into the business end of the season.
His long-term future may lie outside of London, but for now it doesn’t seem to make too much sense to sanction his departure.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
