How the Dutch league helped shape Arsenal star Martin Ødegaard
Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Martin Ødegaard's formative years in the Dutch Eredivisie were crucial to his development into a world-class player.
- Playing for Vitesse Arnhem, he gained experience and honed his skills, leading to a successful career with Arsenal and the Norwegian national team.
- Former players and coaches highlight the Dutch league's role in fostering talent and providing a supportive environment for young players to mature.
Martin Ødegaard's journey to becoming a star player for Arsenal and captain of Norway was significantly shaped by his time in the Dutch Eredivisie. The Norwegian captain spent crucial developmental years at Vitesse Arnhem, an experience that former teammates and coaches believe was pivotal in his transition to elite football.
Thank you for a fantastic season, the best of my career so far. I have made friends and memories for life. Vitesse will always have a special place in my heart.
During the 2018/19 season with Vitesse, Ødegaard scored nine goals and provided twelve assists, earning a spot on the Eredivisie Team of the Year. This performance came as he was on loan from Real Madrid, showcasing his ability to thrive outside a top-tier club environment. His time in Arnhem allowed him to mature and fully utilize his skills, setting the stage for his later successes.
Former Norwegian international Hallvar Thoresen, who himself had an illustrious career in the Eredivisie, noted that Dutch football's emphasis on possession and player skill aligns well with talents like Ødegaard's. Thoresen believes the league "triggered the final step" for Ødegaard to reach the world's top level.
Definitely. I think he had that potential already before he came to the Netherlands. But it is probably there that he triggered the final step so that he could enter the world elite.
Markus Henriksen, another former Norwegian player who spent time in the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar, echoed these sentiments. He described the Dutch league as an "excellent development arena that is not too big," providing a supportive platform for players like Ødegaard to "learn to become an adult and use his qualities with the ball." Henriksen suggests this experience positively influenced Ødegaard's career trajectory.
It is an excellent development arena that is not too big, and that is important. Take Ødegaard for example. He was at perhaps the world's biggest club in Real Madrid. But then he had two loans, Heerenveen and Vitesse, where he learned to become an adult and use his qualities with the ball. That is something I think has influenced him very positively towards the career he has today.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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