As we all know the current situation is that Barcelona can’t invest in players again until January 2016. But they will obviously be making plans for the future regardless.
And Barcelona are said to have invited a player, regarded by some as the natural heir to Lionel Messi, to train with the club. Spanish media outlet Sport.es reports:
Barcelona have invited him, along with his father, to come and see La Masia first hand, as claimed by his agent Kent Karlsen.
‘Him’ is Martin Odegaard, the Norwegian playmaker who is breaking records all over the shop. He made his debut for the seniors at Stromsgodset IF at 15 and became the youngest player ever to represent Norway when he made his debut for the national team this year.
He is a remarkable talent and we only hope that the fearlessness that comes with his youth remains in his boots throughout his career. Obviously it’s ridiculous to compare Odegaard with the greatest player at all time at this stage of his development. But there are similarities in their style. Like Messi Odegaard has wonderful balance, loves to dribble and seems to often find the fourth dimension when taking on his opponent. Add to this his eye for goal and he really is a joy to watch.
One of the most important questions is whether he can develop the acceleration which was the cherry on the icing on the cake of Messi’s game as the peerless Argentine rose through the ranks. Odegaard’s dribbling skills would be lethal if combined with lightning pace.
But Barcelona will take a good look at the lad and if they do eventually make a bid it’s difficult to imagine the teenager wanting to go anywhere else, despite the intense interest from other clubs.
Let’s have a look at him in action. Barca fans: can he make the grade at the Camp Nou?
