Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal flirt runs risk of broken heart

Martin Odegaard has barely had chance to settle in north London and already Arsenal fans are being smitten by the Norwegian’s, dare we say it, Mesut Ozil-like demeanour? In just his second start for the club against Benfica, he put in another assured performance.

It’s so easy – lazy – to make the comparison. They’re both left-footed, have last names that start with an accented ‘O’ and both play as No. 10s. Simple.

You can’t help but see the likeness. Not in every facet, granted, but in the way he gets his head up to spot forward runners, has an out-of-the-blue delicate skill or touch in him and can pick a pass others don’t see. He isn’t a keen fan of shooting either, which draws its own comparisons.

On Thursday Odegaard was guilty of a couple of teething issues that will be ironed out with more minutes, such as dropping deeper than desired on occasion and getting too tight to his teammates, but were minor concerns in an otherwise solid outing.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1362419942759481351

Martin Odegaard continues to impress at Arsenal as the fear grows he may not sign permanently from Real Madrid

With each minute he plays the appeal grows fonder. He possesses many of the traits desired in an ‘Arsenal player’, and provides another setting in the Mikel Arteta machine with array of unique resources. His weight of pass remains a delight.

Yet as he continues to prove his worth on the domestic stage and in Europe, the fear grows of eventual heartbreak. As he repeatedly demonstrates tactical awareness and operative intelligence, Real Madrid may feel they’ve not given him a fair crack of the whip and shun outside interest.

Further still, the rest of Europe, those with Champions League to offer, may come calling.

As has been widely reported, much hinges in the future of Zinedine Zidane. Depending on what source you read, Martin Odegaard has zero intention of returning to his parent club if the Frenchman remains in charge. Equally, impressive outings or not, Zidane may be unmoved by Odegaard even with Isco seemingly headed for the exit door.

It’s best to not get too attached to Odegaard just yet. As much as the heart grows fonder. All Arsenal can do now is relish in what he offers to this team which, at first glance, appears to be what many predicted.

Never say never, though.