Tony Cascarinio has claimed that ex-Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard has ‘everything’ to his game and he is the ‘Kevin de Bruyne of Arsenal’, as he told talkSPORT.
The former Republic of Ireland striker added that Odegaard ‘wasn’t given an opportunity’ when he was in Madrid colours, after signing for the Spanish giants as a teenager.
Odegaard initially joined Arsenal a loan deal, before later on that summer, he secured a £30 million transfer to the London club (Sky Sports).
During the last few games, he has found the back of the net, including scoring the crucial equaliser during his side’s comeback win against Fulham on Saturday.
A player of great touch, technical ability, vision and someone who takes the ball in pressure situations, the 23-year-old is an underrated figure in this ever-progressing Arsenal side.
Well, Odegaard has impressed Cascarino so much that he has compared him to perhaps the best midfielder in the world in Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne.
“He’s the Kevin de Bruyne of Arsenal,” said Cascarino. “He has everything. His feet are so quick. He can play long passes, then he can play short. He is hungry and wants to get goals. He does everything that you expect.
“It wasn’t a surprise he was given the captain’s armband. Tierney could have been given that 18 months ago. There isn’t anything he can’t do. Odegaard is a real top talent.
“To take him from Real Madrid, he was a kid that left Scandinavia to go and play football in Spain. He wasn’t given an opportunity and they were prepared to loan him out and sell him.”
FROM WONDERKID TO ARSENAL CAPTAIN
There was a lot of pressure and expectation on Odegaard’s shoulders when he was growing up because he was seen as the next big thing.
A wonderkid signed by one of the biggest clubs in the world in Real Madrid, all of that attention wouldn’t have helped because it only raised expectations.
And whilst there were a few bumps in the road, it’s fair to say that the Norway international is starting to live up to expectations and head towards huge success in Arsenal colours.
Both Arsenal and Odegaard still have a long way to go, but if they can secure Champions League football this season, then anything is possible in years to come.
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