Martin Odegaard during the International Friendly match between Norway and the United Arab Emirates at Viking Stadion on Aug 27, 2014 in Stavanger.You know you are going towards the right direction when you receive a call-up to represent your national team at the young age of 15. Martin Odegaard, who currently is at Real Madrid and made his debut against Getafe yesterday, is among the most sought after talents in the world.Before his transfer from Tippeligaen side Strømsgodset IF to the Galacticos, he attracted interests from top clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Manchester United were looking to make a last minute move for the wonder kid before the transfer window was over, but the transfer talks broke down later. However, given his talent and potential, it is highly unlikely that the teams will give up their chase so easily. There are many things about Odegaard that we are not familiar with except that he became the youngest player to make his debut for Real Madrid at little over 16 years.In this slideshow, we talk about 7 things that you must know about Martin Odegaard:
#1 Youngest Norweigan International
Martin Odegaard became the youngest player to have represented Norway after he was called up for an international friendly against the United Arab Emirates, breaking the previous record set by Tormod Kjellsen over a century ago.
Odegaard, who had started his first year in high school two weeks ago, now bears the hope of a whole nation who have been waiting for a breakthrough player who would put the nation back on track. Norway reached up to second spot in the FIFA rankings in 1995, but have hit a new low this year by slumping to 60th place.
Odegaard's international debut vs UAE
#2 His father is a former footballer
Football seems to be running in the Odegaard genes as Martin’s father, Hans Erik Odegaard was a footballer himself. Unlike his attacking midfielder son, Hans preferred to play in the central midfield, and represented his son’s previous club Strømsgodset from 1993 to 2003, making a total of 241 league appearances and scoring 52 goals. In addition, Hans had played for Sandefjord as well from the period of 2004 to 2007.
Hans currently works as an assistant coach at Mjøndalen IF’s, and since Martin is yet to hire an agent, Hans will be handling his son’s transfer deals.
“It's because my only focus is to become a better footballer. Right now there is no agent that can make me a better footballer. I have people around me who are better at developing me than any agent," said Martin when he was asked about hiring an agent.
#3 His father believed Martin is too young to move abroad
Martin scoring a match-winning goal for Strømsgodset
Martin’s father Hans Erik was adamant about his son’s future, and insisted his son is too young to move to a different country when he was 15. Martin made his professional debut while he was still attending his lower secondary school, and was recently enrolled into a high school to complete his education.
His training professionally drew a lot of attention from a number of clubs.
#4 Martin has trained with Bayern Munich and Manchester United
Martin’s talent is something that’s not new to the major European clubs as he has already trained for Bayern Munich and Manchester United before making his first team debut with Strømsgodset. The 15-year-old was part of a five-day training camp at Bayern Munich, and is said to have been asked by the Bavarians to continue schooling in Drammen while nurturing his football skills over time before making a switch to a major club.
“We have received a fantastic reception. We use it as a learning experience and establish contacts,” said Martin’s father on his son’s visit to the Allianz Arena.
In addition, Martin visited England and had trained with United’s Reserve team.
#5 Martin is the youngest goalscorer in the Tippeligaen
Martin’s first goal for Strømsgodset
16 May 2014: The day Martin scored his first professional goal for Strømsgodset during their 4-1 home victory over Sarpsborg 08 FF. The goal made him the youngest person to have ever score a goal in the Tippeligaen.
The goal came in the dying moments of the game, and was the team’s fourth goal. Martin was 15 years and 151 days old, and this match was his third professional game.
#6 Martin\'s favourite club and role model
Martin is known to be a supporter of Premier League side Liverpool, and is often found tweeting about the Merseyside club. Liverpool were closely tracking Martin’s progress, and club scouts were even present during Norway U-21’s defeat to Portugal U-21 to watch him play.
Lionel Messi of Barcelona is said to be his role model apart from his experienced teammates at the club, Martin Rønning and Mohammed Abu. He also draws inspiration from former Strømsgodset midfielder and Norwegian international Stefan Johansen who plays for Celtic.
#7 More than 30 clubs wanted to sign Martin
Speaking to Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang, Martin’s father had revealed that over 30 clubs have contacted him, enquiring about his son. “I can't name the clubs, but almost regardless of who you name, they have been in contact with us,” Odegaard told Verdens Gang.
Apart from Real Madrid, club scouts from Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Ajax among others have visited Stromsgodset's ground to track Martin’s progress.
“We can’t visit all the clubs that have been in contact. We don’t have a plan, we just want him to develop. That’s been the focus over the years. If you start to think about other things his evolution could halt. He’s only 15-years-old, and there’s no way he could go away alone,” adds his father.
