Martin Odegaard is likely to become an Arsenal player in the next few days. The Drammen man will be the most expensive Norwegian footballer ever when he completes his move from Real Madrid.
One of those who are really looking forward to seeing Odegaard in the red suit is Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
This is how much Strømsgodset can earn on the Ødegaard crossing
– It’s great for us that he’s back. He has a relationship with the players and the manager. Our left side is very good. We have Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe. But on the right we’re struggling a little bit. This is where Martin comes in with his technical skills and creativity. Having players like Ødegaard and Smith Rowe around Aubameyang is great. I think it’s a great signature, says Wright for TV 2.
– So are you happy?
– Yes, I am happy, says Wright, explaining what Odegaard adds to the team:
– It’s his creativity and ability. He is 22 years old and has suffered a lot. There is still a possibility that he will thrive into the outstanding player everyone thought he would be at Real Madrid. Real Madrid buy players like Ødegaard, players with amazing potential. Then they sell it for a large sum of money. But for us, it’s a bargain given what we need. He wants to add creativity and confidence to the midfield. He’s good at handling the ball, has a great first touch, is good at group play and has a good overview. Wright adds the extra quality we need.
He compares Wright to the arrivals of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry at Arsenal.
– If Odegaard gets 75% of his potential at Arsenal, he’s successful. His type is suitable for Arsenal. Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Alexis Sanchez came to Arsenal and spent the best years of their careers. If Ødegaard comes along and does the same, if he can lift the other players — get the attackers to score and speed up Smith Roe and Saka — that’s a very good signing, he says.
Langley on Odegaard: – What he achieved is not good enough for Real Madrid
In addition to Ødegaard, Arsenal bought Ben White this summer. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale may be second in the UAE. Wright will give the reinforcements time before passing judgment.
Some say we paid too much for Ben White, but he’s only 22 years old. We have to see how it goes over the course of several years. This is also the case with Ødegaard. Its ceiling is high. He still has something to prove, but he knows the Premier League. He wants to be liked, so he can now relax and enjoy soccer, says Wright, who disagrees with those who think Odegaard makes too many safe choices with the ball.
When he first came to Arsenal last season, I think he played up front. He suffered an ankle injury in March, and may have played a little safer because of it. But what I first saw was a progressive midfielder who wanted to make things happen, says Wright.
Getting Ødegaard for half the price of Maddison is a good job. I’m glad we’re trying to find players like Maddison, but I’m glad to have Ødegaard, the Arsenal legend adds.
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