It is safe to say that Arsenal have been the standout team in the Premier League this season and a large part of that is down to the extraordinary form of Martin Odegaard. The former Real Madrid player has taken his game to a whole new level this season, as it looks like he could be well on his way to guiding the London side to their first league title in almost two decades, against all the odds and expectations.
It is incredible how much Odegaard has improved in several aspects at Arsenal, having never scored or assisted for Real Madrid at the senior level during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Odegaard was signed by Real Madrid as a teenager and remained at the club for years, before finally ending up at Arsenal, after he was never able to nail down a spot for himself in Los Blancos’ first-team.
Ian Wright though believes that Real Madrid lacked patience with Odegaard. As reported by MARCA, the Arsenal legend told the official channel of the English Premier League:
"“They bought him when he was 15 years old and, although they saw his potential, they did not have the necessary patience. Arsenal benefited from it. You just have to see how he leads the team as captain. Lead by example.”"
Real Madrid told their mistake with Odegaard
It is safe to say that with the way that Odegaard is playing right now, he could have surely made his presence felt in Real Madrid’s team.
He is not just putting up the numbers but has impressed with his leadership qualities as well, captaining a club the size of Arsenal at just 24 years of age.
There had never been any doubt about the Norwegian’s talent but now, he is fulfilling his potential. Mikel Arteta deserves the world of credit as well, for the job that he has done with Odegaard over the past couple of years or so. It is pretty clear that his game has grown in leaps and bounds.
Could Odegaard return to Real Madrid someday? Only time shall tell. But we can only wish him the best of luck for whatever is ahead.