The Real Madrid loanee made his Arsenal debut in a cameo last weekend and hopes for more opportunities.
Arsenal legend Sol Campbell believes a ‘long road’ lies ahead for Martin Odegaard over at the Emirates Stadium.
The Norwegian midfielder will spend the rest of the season on loan from Real Madrid, where he struggled for regular game time. He hopes a move to Arsenal hands a necessary boost for his career and development.
Odegaard made his Gunners debut on Saturday by replacing Emile Smith Rowe in the final seven minutes of the 0-0 draw against Manchester United.
Hopes are high that the talented 22-year-old can provide the creative spark that has been missing in Mikel Arteta’s midfield. The emergence of fellow midfield youngster Smith Rowe, however, means Odegaard has to prove himself first.
“It’s always nice to have young players coming in,” former Arsenal defender Campbell told Stadium Astro.
“It’s obviously not completely worked for him [Odegaard] at Real Madrid. Going forward, if he gets more minutes on the pitch, then he will show his quality.
“You can see he’s got quality, the way he moves and his touch on the ball, he has just got to get into it, get fit and force his way in.
“It’s all about impact. He came off the bench, then you start to train and you start moving and pushing who you are.
“Hopefully your manager sees that and then you can get some more minutes on the pitch. After a while, you start.
“It’s a long road for him but hopefully the next time he comes on he can make an impact and start pushing Arsenal up the league.
“We need players who are going to change something on the pitch. At the same time, he is going to learn.”
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