Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has likened Martin Odegaard to Cesc Fabregas.
The Frenchman has hailed Odegaard after seeing him first hand on Boxing Day. Wenger was at Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham. It was the first time he had been back at the Emirates since his departure at the end of the 2017/18 season.
He told TV2, "That was hard [when I didn't sign him]. When he was 15, I talked to him. I actually spoke to Martin about it after the game now on Boxing Day.
"I was desperate to sign him. Fortunately, he is here now. He really is like a young Cesc Fabregas. I think he has developed into a complete player."
Wenger went into depth about his opinions on Odegaard as a player. He admits there are parts of the 24-year-old's game now that were present nine years ago.
He added: "He is a very calm player who analyses the game well. He has his feet firmly planted on the ground. I don't really want to say exactly what I talked to Martin about.
"I am super impressed. He really is a down-to-earth and nice boy. The way he analyses the game. He also did that as a 15-year-old... The sharpness! I am really impressed. He will do well. He makes decisions quickly, and always optimally. It is remarkable! I like him and the way he makes football look so easy.
"He has developed very well. It's really amazing. His decisions, he is also a leader in the team. You see that Norway is now getting more top-class players, and I hope they can do well internationally in the years to come."
Wenger admits he was concerned about Odegaard towards the end of his time at Real. But he is delighted to see him succeeding in north London.
He continued: "I was worried about Martin. I think he lost a bit of his creative attitude. Creativity stagnated.
"After he came to Arsenal, he has found his creativity back. He plays amazingly well and masters everything in the game. He is complete. I like him in every way in the game. Defensive and offensive."
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