Martin Odegaard's biggest Real Madrid issue could be a huge boost for Arsenal

When Martin Odegaard signed for Real Madrid aged just 16, the expectation placed on the Norwegian's shoulders seemed to weigh him down.

As many anticipated, the youngster was unable to make his impact, leading him to a number of loan spells.

It wasn't until he joined Real Sociedad for the 2019/20 season that Odegaard finally proved he was ready to compete in one of Europe's top leagues.

His spell at Arsenal earlier this year confirmed that assumption was correct, becoming an integral part of Mikel Arteta's squad.

The Gunners then made the 22-year-old's stay at the Emirates a permanent one, signing him to a four-year deal.

Martin Odegaard joined Real Madrid from Stromsgodset in 2015 when he was just 16 years old ( Image:

Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Since his £30million signing, Odegaard has quickly adopted a leadership role within a young squad, with Arteta already hinting he could be a captain for the future.

But the midfielder has admitted that the confident player he has now become, is rooted in the difficult experiences he had with the Spanish giants.

"Of course there were many tough periods," Odegaard told TV2. "I experienced a lot with both the first team and the second team. I have been close to the best and biggest.

"I experienced a lot with both the first team and the second team. I have been close to the best and biggest.

"It made me stronger. I feel I have grown a lot on it."

"There were some tough periods, but also a lot of good that I have experienced.

"Being so close to the best in the world is special. I have learned a lot from it."

He added: "When you are at the highest level, it is not as easy to make friends and that kind of thing.

"At least not when you are young and come from somewhere else. It can be tough at times.

Odegaard has been influential since signing for Arsenal on a permanent basis

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"But it has made me stronger and I am very happy and pleased to have experienced it.

"You live a little of your life outside. You become more left to yourself. It may not be the dressing room culture you are used to from a little closer to home. It is different."

When Arsenal initially signed Odegaard from Real Madrid on-loan, many will have still seen him as the naive and nervous teenager that made headlines all those years ago.

Fortunately for the Gunners, those formative seasons at the Bernabeu have now built a character which can play a huge role in Arteta's ambitious rebuilding job in north London.