Has Martin Ødegaard fulfilled his potential?

Odegaard

By Oli Dickson Jefford

It is weird to think that, despite being around for the best part of a decade, Martin Odegaard only turned 23 last December.

Odegaard began his senior career as a 15-year-old back in 2014, having already played lower league football in Norway, and has gone on to make almost 300 appearances in club football.


He has also become a key part of the Norwegian international side that could be set for a big decade, having already made 37 appearances for his country.


The midfielder’s move to Real Madrid in 2015 did not go to plan, making just 11 senior appearances at the club and spending time on loan at SC Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad.


His loan move to Arsenal last season went incredibly well, and it was a wise decision for the Gunners to sign him permanently in the summer.



What impact has Odegaard made?


There have been bumps on the road for Arsenal this season and they are still quite a way behind the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.


However, there is no doubt that there have been major improvements this season and Arsenal are now in a strong position to finish inside the top four.


The club’s younger talent have been at the forefront of their rise and the growing sense of positivity around the club, with Odegaard certainly a big factor.


After playing so well during his time on loan, the Norwegian got off to a stuttering start during his permanent spell but is now one of a handful of players who are undroppable.


Odegaard 2


He has been a key factor in generating Arsenal’s attack this season, helping feed the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe and also scoring five league goals himself.


Most importantly, Odegaard has also adapted his game so he can in some ways act as a holding midfielder.


With a potent attack and an improving defence, their midfield has been one of their weaknesses this season with no one able to perform consistently in that area.


However, the 23-year-old’s ability to back track and chip in with defensive midfield duties has helped shore up this area and improved Arsenal’s overall stability.



Has he fulfilled his potential?


Arguably the most encouraging thing for Arsenal is that he has mostly likely not fulfilled his potential yet.


He never really got a fair chance at Real Madrid, but whenever he has had a regular opportunity to play first team football he has always delivered.


He is a key part of Arsenal’s squad having been consistently excellent in recent months, and aged 23 he is likely only now approaching his prime as a footballer.


Arsenal fans should be incredibly excited about what the Norwegian could deliver in the next few seasons. 


Photo Credit: Getty Images

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