Arteta, like Wenger, gets rough diamonds sparkling

JUST over three years ago, Martin Odegaard joined a Zoom call that would change his career.

- Simon Collings

On the call was Mikel Arteta and, after a passionate pitch, Odegaard decided to leave Real Madrid and join Arsenal on loan.

That move became permanent six months later, and this weekend the Norwegian can complete a remarkable rise by captaining Arsenal to their first title in 20 years.

That would inevitably lead to comparisons with the Invincibles side, who will be in attendance at Emirates Stadium on Sunday to mark the anniversary of their triumph.

Odegaard would not look out of place in that team, and his journey is in keeping with many from that great side that went unbeaten in 2003-04.

Arteta, like Arsene Wenger, has shown a skill in maximising unfulfilled talent and piecing broken wonderkids back together, with 25-year-old Odegaard a prime example.

The midfielder was tipped for the top from an early age, making his Norway debut aged 15, but his career stalled after he joined Madrid in 2015.

He trained with the first team, but predominantly played for their 'B team' and spent three years on loan before his move to Emirates Stadium.