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Andy Townsend has warning for Arsenal man Martin Odegaard, compares to Michy Batshuayi
Andy Townsend has given Arsenal’s January recruit Martin Odegaard a stark warning on – comparing the player’s situation to that of Chelsea outcast Michy Batshuayi, suggesting he could become like the Belgian striker.
Odegaard, 22, made a late appearance against Manchester United but remained an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers – as the Gunners were reduced to nine men at Molineux. David Luiz and Bernd Leno were sent off.
The Norway international has now gone on loan for the fourth time to Arsenal, after spells at Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad last season. Many have criticised the decision to join Real Madrid before his 16th birthday.
Townsend has warned Odegaard that if he struggles to find a home and continues to go on loan, he could become like Belgium international Batshuayi – who is now 27 and on loan for the fourth time since joining Chelsea, at Crystal Palace again.
“There’s been so much said about this boy,” . “Some will say he’s not quite good enough. Chelsea – the amount of loan players, that are continually farmed out. Harry Kane is one of the few that has been on loan, but become a top, top player.
“Most I think that go out on loan become loan specialists. Michy Batshuayi goes out on loan everywhere, but never really produces anything. This boy [Odegaard], it will be interesting to see if he can make the difference for Arsenal.”
TBR’s view – Odegaard needs to start firing
For years now, Odegaard has been the next best thing. But now at the age of 22, he has got to change that tag and turn hype into proven quality. He did that at Real Sociedad, but a lack of game time at Real Madrid will have seen his confidence drop.
At Arsenal, he needs to break into the side as soon as possible and show not only Arsenal fans – but the rest of the footballing world that he is no longer a boy wonder, but he is the real deal. Failing to do so, another loan might come next season.
Then, he begins to enter Batshuayi territory.
