Technical director Michael Reschke has shared what Pep Guardiola told him about Martin Odegaard when the current Arsenal captain went to train with Bayern Munich as a 16-year-old.
Martin Odegaard is unquestionably one of the best players in the Premier League right now. The Norwegian has more than played his part in elevating Arsenal up the table.
For much of his time with the Gunners, Odegaard has been the captain. And his time with the armband has seen Arsenal elevate themselves into title contention in the Premier League, as well as return to European football’s top table.
But of course, the journey for Odegaard has not been a smooth one. He has been a player many have known plenty about for a decade now – which is remarkable given that the attacking midfielder is still only 25.
What Pep Guardiola said about Martin Odegaard when midfielder was 16
As noted by The Athletic, he was tipped for greatness when he emerged onto the scene. But his move to Real Madrid saw his development stagnate.
By the time he joined Arsenal, it appeared to be a gamble from the Gunners. But that gamble has proved to be a masterstroke.
Someone who may not be surprised is Pep Guardiola. Odegaard trained with Bayern Munich while Guardiola was in charge. And, as Michael Reschke notes, Guardiola saw a lot of potential in the then-16-year-old.
“At 16, he trained with Pep, who was totally impressed after the first training,” he said. “I came into the dressing room and Pep was talking about how intelligent he was and how he would improve — he was the type of player he loved. He was completely convinced.”
Arsenal’s best bit of business in recent years
Reschke was technical director at Bayern at the time having previously looked at signing Odegaard at Bayer Leverkusen.
Obviously, no move would take place. And that has potentially played its part in leading Odegaard to Arsenal.
As The Athletic reports, Odegaard cost Arsenal £35 million when he signed permanently. In today’s game, and given how good he has been since, that is an absolute steal.
He has developed into such a fantastic leader for the Gunners. And he may still have time before he is at the peak of his powers.
Obviously, it is going to be a tough task for Odegaard to improve further given how long he has been around.
But it is telling that Odegaard’s intelligence as a 16-year-old completely convinced Guardiola.
The post 'He trained with Pep': Director shares what Guardiola told him about Martin Odegaard when he saw him at 16 appeared first on TBR Football.