David Bentley thinks Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been treated ‘unfairly’ in his career after the one-time wonderkid signed for Real Madrid as a 16-year-old.
The 24-year-old made his Norway debut at 15, and 12 months later, he landed on the doorstep of perhaps the biggest club in the world, Real Madrid. No pressure, then!
Whilst Bentley was hyped up when he was coming through the ranks at Arsenal, it was nowhere to the extent of Martin Odegaard, who he thinks made a ‘clever and smart’ move to the Emirates in 2021, as he told Stadium Astro.
After the forward-thinking midfielder spent six months in the colours of Arsenal on a loan deal, Mikel Arteta then pushed for his permanent signing and he joined the club for a transfer fee of £30 million in 2021 (Sky Sports).
The quick-thinking midfielder needed time to settle in, but for the past two seasons, he has played the best football of his career, including the best of the lot this term.
Bentley praised those in the Arsenal boardroom for ‘recognising his ability’, as he now dons the club’s captain’s armband, on top of scoring 15 goals from midfield this term.
“Players like that, we have seen it in the past, they can get built up, from 16, 17 and 18,” said Bentley. “They do get hyped up and they find themselves at a huge club like Real Madrid, with a lot of world-class players in front of them.
“It’s probably unfair what has sort of happened to him. Arsenal have got him in on loan and built his career back up. He has done it as well. Perfect relationship. Arsenal are reaping the benefits of that move.
“A smart clever move. They recognised his ability – they have allowed him to express himself, which Arsenal do and it’s perfect for both Martin and Arsenal.”
ODEGAARD LIVING UP TO ‘WONDERKID’ HYPE
There have been many ‘wonderkids’ over the years that have shown promise, been hyped up, and then faltered when it mattered most.
So, for Odegaard, to put in the performances he is now producing, against the backdrop of the hype around him, is a credit to the player and the environment he is in.
Mikel Arteta has played a big part in that, as well as this thriving and young Arsenal team that will be hurting at missing out on the Premier League title.
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