Scout Report: Martin Odegaard

The 15 year old’s rise to prominence has raised numerous eyebrows around the European continent.

Dreams about playing for your National Team at an overly young age would hardly come true, would they? A colossal amount of hard work and dedication goes into achieving something as majestic as this. Fighting for a spot in a senior National Side against fellow senior countrymen requires extra-ordinary amount of talent and nous and very few come close to reaching this feat of defying all odds despite of a highly tender age. Those of the ‘very few’ includes a 15 year old Norwegian Martin Odegaard, who has burst upon the scene after becoming the youngest player in the history of the European Championship as he came on as a substitute in Norway’s 2-1 win against Bulgaria.

Career so far..

The phrase ‘Career so far’ would certainly be nothing short of ironic for someone as young as Odegaard, but here’s when his talent brings down all the ironies and shortcomings. Ødegaard, who played for Strømsgodset’s junior team and the club’s third team, began training with the Strømsgodset first team in 2013, aged 14. After doing so, he made short training visits to both Manchester United and Bayern Munich but it was later decided that he’d join the  Strømsgodset first team in 2014. Although, a formal contract wasn’t agreed upon but as part of the agreement, he trained two evenings a week with Mjøndalen IF, where his father is one of the coaches.  He made his debut for Strømsgodset in a match against Aalesunds FK in April 2014. Aged 15, he became the youngest footballer ever to play in Tippeligaen. After penning an official contract in May, he made history again after he scored the fourth goal for Strømsgodset in a 4–1 home victory against Sarpsborg 08 FF making him the youngest person to score a goal in Tippeligaen. A European debut was on the way as the 15 year old was brought on to play  the final five minutes of the club’s 1–0 home defeat to Steaua Bucureşti in the Champions League second qualifying round. His breakout seemed to have dawned upon him in an away game against  Sandnes Ulf when he was thoroughly involved in three of his side’s goals, scoring one and assisting once. It was after this stellar showing that people and the experts alike started considering him for an International selection. Odegaard was selected for the Norway U-21 side back in January and played full 90 minutes as a striker against Portugal, but was unable to avoid a 2-1 defeat. He was called up for  Norway’s European Championship qualification matches against Malta and Bulgaria and made his debut in the latter, after replacing Mats Daehli.  At the age of 15 years and 300 days, this made him the youngest player to ever play in the European Championship qualification.

What kind of a player is he?

The teenager can function equally well on any of the three positions behind the striker, or often even as a striker. His low centre of gravity and impeccable technique has drawn comparisons with Lionel Messi and Odegaard has been heralded as ‘The Norwegian Messi’ quite frequently. He’s usually deployed as a free roaming midfielder who’s got the license to score and create opportunities at any level in an impressive way. Almost like a kid’s innocent tendency, this little man is an adventurous player who’s got a bundle of youthful tricks up his sleeve which he can try out anywhere on the pitch. For Strømsgodset, he’s time and time again used as an orchestrator and a forward thinking architect and is quite fond of picking out an incisive pass to a running team mate. Another interesting aspect about his play is that he’s never reluctant to correct his mistakes and learn from them in one single game. For Example, if he loses the ball in a key area, he will ensure that he doesn’t repeat the mistake he committed earlier.

He’s always more than willing to have a run at defenders, especially down the sidelines. He tends to pick out a key and cheeky pass to split open defense and create a goal scoring opportunity. Although, he isn’t exceptionally quick but his pleasing on the eye ball control gives a look of as if the ball is glued to his feet and his small frame allows complements him in those abilities. He has got a knack for turning players inside out with his skill, as evident from a section of the video below and the surprising part is, he can pick a killer pass after that. He’s a composed left footed little assassin, who’s unselfish when needed and a deadly finisher in other cases.

Weaknesses

One big disadvantage is his lowly physicality, which is exemplified by his lissome frame. It may all be due to his tender age but it’d come as a certain disadvantage if he moves to the Premier League or the Bundesliga but to a slightly lesser extent. After all, exceptional skills won’t help if you’re up against a burly built centre half. He’ll be hustling and harrying you with all his might and if he’s up against a little 15 year old, he’ll shrug him off easily.

Another disadvantage could be his tendency to execute spectacular dribbles almost every time he receives the ball down the flank. It’s like he tries to do a Messi-esque thing, isolating the men in the box and although he picks out an inch perfect pass for a simple tap in, this somewhat selfish mentality leaves others frustrated.

What does the future hold for him?

This question, I presume is something which isn’t worth asking. A 15 year old with enormous amount of skill is always destined for something big in his career.  And with huge clubs sniffing around him, you could see him move to one of them but get loaned back to  Strømsgodset for acquiring further experience and exposure. Of course, he won’t come straight away into the first team of a giant club but Eredivisie is somewhere where he’ll really shine. A notable amount of Scandinavian players  made a name for themselves in the Eredivisie before carrying on their talents forward to the Premier League including Christian Eriksen, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sami Hyypia, Soren Lerby and Jari Litmanen. A move to one of those Eredivisie clubs would suit his abilities, physique and career.

This lad is one hell of a wizard on the ball or I’d say he’s way too good for someone of his age. Shattering 4 records in less than a year is never easy, especially if you’re 15. He certainly makes the cut for the ‘Player To Watch Out for’ list for the next 10 years.

Youth focus- Saidy Janko

Saidy Janko’s move to United was overshadowed by Fellaini’s

His dream move to Old Trafford,though was overshadowed by Marouane Fellaini’s arrival and also by the debacle  which ensued at the end of the summer transfer window but United legend Paul Scholes has tipped this 18 year old to achieve greatness in the coming years.

Scholesy of Janko-

“Saidy has been fantastic since he came in and looks a bright prospect for the future. Hopefully he’s on his way to the first team.”

The former FC Zurich full back has been key figure of United’s U-18 and U-21 sides mainly because has also been using the right flanks with great effect. On joining the club,the Switzerland born starlet didn’t take long to establish himself at the right flank.

Nicky Butt handed him his very first start when the young Reds took on Real Sociedad in the UEFA Youth League and Janko didn’t let Butty down.He acquitted himself quite admirably despite of the fact that Sociedad won the game 1-0.

He is now up and running with a great burst of speed and strength.He loves to fend off defenders when making runs down the right and his body frame resembles Antonio Valencia’s perfectly.He is a kind of player who likes building up the play from his side by stringing passes together with the players around him.He is never ever afraid to take defenders on to go round them.

But,the most remarkable feature of his playing style is the balance he has succeeded to make between his attacking and defensive duties.He can operate impeccably well when deployed in a deeper role to compliment the build up play and is also good at surging into the ox to deliver crosses to the accompanying forwards.

As far as his contention for the spot in the first team is concerned ,he will take a season to develop himself into a first team player. Janko,who has been used a No.10 numerous times in the U-18 side but will have to face loads of competition for a place in the first squad.The likes of Rafael , Wilfred Zaha,Antonio Valencia,Nani and Adnan Januzaj are seemingly better than him on the positions he prefers to operate in.

Now,after paying heed to his applauders ,I feel we must try to keep him at Old Trafford unlike Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba.

Ryan Giggs – Still got it

United pulled off a miracle at Old Trafford yesterday

Bryan Robson’s heroics in United’s 3-0 win over Barcelona in 1984 were replicated almost perfectly by a host of United players yesterday.

It was a night that began with wild stories of Manchester United supporters planning to tear down the “Chosen One” banner and finished with David Moyes punching the air and saluting the crowd.

Miracles do happen,it rightly proved as United went past Greek giants Olympiakos (3-2 on aggregate)

Nobody expected veteran Ryan Giggs to feature or start in a game as crucial as this and that also when he had been reportedly involved in a spat with David Moyes after United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool.But ,the decision evidently paid off and paid off big time.

The Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney partnership clicked almost perfectly and the missing piece in the partnership turned out to be none other than the 40 year old Ryan Giggs. And the commitment with which the players stepped onto the pitch was too much to take for Michel’s men. Valencia,whose left eye had swollen like a golf ball after being involved in a tackle ,epitomized this perfectly.

The experience needed to take down a tough opponent in a game as decisive as this one.Even at the debilitating age of 40,he played a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the game indirectly.He still possesses a unique amount of stamina and willingness to barge into opponents to get the ball and can be dubbed as a true leader for the in transition United team.

He was involved in almost every play United managed to  build up throughout the game. He competed in the full 90 minutes of the game and if not for him,United would have succumbed to the pressure Olympiakos applied in the later stages.

His balls from the left flank were still inch perfect and reached the likes of Rooney, van Persie and Welbeck quite quintessentially .

United play make or break game at Old Trafford

United face an uphill task of overcoming a 2-0 deficit

A spot,a hope,respect and nonetheless a job will be on the line when the Greek giants will walk onto the Old Trafford pitch,2-0 ahead from the 1st leg.

The 1st Leg was  quite a woeful one and something worth forgetting in the already jeopardized David Moyes regime.And things have turned even more atrocious after the 3-0 loss to rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford itself as United look to upturn a 2-0 deficit .

Things are not going according to plan for the Red Devils ,who are currently languishing at 7th in the League table and all their games have become too difficult to predict.

History won’t be on our side but David Moyes has attempted to give the fans a glimmer of hope after speaking positively in the pre match press conference.

“My future has not changed one bit. We’ve not had the season I’ve hoped but… we’ve got a lot of belief and we’re going to make it show.”

Team News

The past week did serve as a stark reminder of how far United have traveled from their glory days even  without any significant injury concerns.For United,Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are doubtful to feature while play maker Juan Mata is already cup tied.And Portuguese winger Nani is fit to be back in action.

Javier Pedro Saviola may just bounce back to action against United but is still a huge doubt for the all important game.

Ariel Ibagaza, who picked up an injury earlier this month, will remain at the side-lines and he is joined by 21-year-old forward Michael Olaitan, whose last appearance was in the first leg of this tie against Manchester United last month.

There are also doubts about the availability of Ivan Marcano, who was substituted in the second half of the 0-3 defeat against Panathinaikos with an injury earlier this month.

Expected Line-ups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK); Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini; Valencia, Rooney, Januzaj; van Persie

Olympiacos (4-2-3-1): Roberto (GK); Salino, Papadopoulos, Manolas, Bong; Maniatis, Ndinga; Campbell, Dominguez, Fuster; Valdez

Predictions

Olympiakos have recently secured their 41st League title recently and United must take them into some regard.

United have a tough task on their hands but everything will depend on how Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie pair up.If their partnership clicks,United can score as much as they want to.

United staged a comeback resembling to this one some years ago and believe me,the tie is still an open one.

I predict a 2-1 win for United ,with the Piraeus side heading into the next round.

Should United drop van Persie?

RvP has looked frustrated on the pitch

The word “dilemma” is becoming ever so crucial for managers these days especially for Man United’s under fire manager David Moyes,who is struggling to get a hold on his new team.

 

“Manchester United lose” is a headline which has become widely known and prevalent these days and the players are only hoping that the sun rises again at Old Trafford. What Sir Alex Ferguson strived hard to build through the years,is being ripped apart in just a matter of weeks.

 

And when things go the opposite way for a club as big as United,selection dilemma’s are sure to crop in the minds of fans and the staff alike.And one such dilemma which has arisen mainly because of frustrating performances is between Robin van Persie and young Danny Welbeck.

 

As seen by many,Robin van Persie is growing increasingly frustrated with his form these days and there’s no wonder why we’re seeing tackles from him from all angles.He has been operating a lot deeper lately and has not been sitting behind defenders ,which has been a trademark feature of his playing style.As a result ,United have been lacking the killer instinct up front to take down opponents,even in Juan Mata’s presence.

 

While Danny Welbeck is someone who has been on song lately after enduring a tough previous season.His playing style has not changed any bit and his usual way of sprinting around in the field is still in his bag of abilities.He has been very consistent this season,especially when van Persie and Rooney were sidelined during January and has managed to put 9 away.

Can The Nifty One Do It?

 

Nor is the Englishman  dependent on Wayne Rooney or any other player,unlike van Persie. He knows how to get round defenders and with his long legs compliment his abilities of sprinting past defenders.He hardly hides behind defenders and looks out for spaces to have a go at opposing defenders.But still he is turning out to be a nifty goalscorer.

 

David Moyes should consider dropping van Persie for at least a game or two if he sticks to his newly found mentality of sitting deep.Dropping him for the West Ham game may teach him a lesson or two,if he is to improve and feature regularly for United,rather than sporadically.

Best victories over Liverpool since 2000

Two fierce rivals will lock horns at United’s den

The sides which have enjoyed trophy laden seasons through the years amongst some turbulent times -Manchester United and Liverpool will face off in a much awaited North West derby encounter at Old Trafford.

The rivalry has seen a fair share of drama and passion being showcased on the football pitch,but when it comes to winning, both sides are upbeat to get one. Both clubs hate each other and so do the bunch of fans but the prospect always is a mouth watering one for the neutrals. Players have admitted how big the occasion always is and some have also admitted how much they hate the opposition.Much like United legend Gary Neville.

Since,2000 both sides have competed 32 times ,with United emerging as winners in 16 and the Merseysiders winning 13. Three games resulted in draws and the heaviest defeat was inflicted by United in the 2002-03 season,when two Ruud van Nisterooy penalties and goals from Ryan Giggs and Solksjaer had handed United a 4-0 victory.

So,let’s take a look at United’s best victories over Liverpool since 2000-

5.Liverpool 1-2 United(2002) When Diego made the Scousers cry

Thanks to a Jerzy Dudek howler,Diego Forlan instigated his Red Devil side to a vital victory at Anfield against Gerard Houlier’s side.The opening goal arrived two minutes later in the most atrocious circumstances. Carragher headed the ball to Dudek, who let the ball slip under his legs, and Forlan pounced for a simple finish.The Uruguayan striker passed the Polish keeper again two minutes later, this time into the right-hand corner after being put through by Ryan Giggs.Liverpool skipper Sami Hyypia drove one past Fabian Barthez to vut the advantage short but the late pressure went in vain.

4.United 4-0 Liverpool (2002)The Scousers went into self destruct mode

A Sami Hyypia sending off was enough for Fergie’s men to run riots at Old Trafford and teach Houlier’s side a lesson.Two van Nistelrooy penalties and goals from Giggsy and Ole had ensured that United won convincingly and proved why Liverpool’s downfall had come.

3.United 3-2 Liverpool(2010)Berba shows his class

Dimitar Berbatov,the long forgotten Bulgarian striker proved his critiques wrong by stabbing home a hat-trick and etched his name into the annals of time.

Berba scored through a flicked on Ryan Giggs corner and doubled the lead through a spectacular overhead volley.Steven Gerrard’s double gave Liverpool slender hopes of going away with 3 points but Berba unleashed a powerful header from a John O’Shea cross in the 84th minute to hand United a 3-2 win.

2. United 1-0 Liverpool(2006)Ferdy’s late strike

Although,good old Ferdy doesn’t score often but when he scores,he scores crucial ones.

This,being the prime example,when United took on Liverpool in a jam packed Old Trafford. The game was heading towards a stalemate,but a perfectly placed Ryan Giggsy free kick complimented Rio in heading in from close range

1.United 2-1 Liverpool (2010)Sweet revenge for Pat

How can a United fan even commit the crime of forgetting this moment?

Patrice Evra and United took to the pitch to avenge what Luis Suarez had done before being a subject of a 10 game ban.

The best moment came after the game had concluded 2-1,thanks to a Wazza brace,when Evra was seen rejoicing with the United fans and teasing Liverpool’s Luis Suarez for his “tangible” actions.

United v Liverpool -Preview and Predictions

Two fierce rivals will battle it out at Old Trafford

The tensions will be higher,the atmosphere will be turbulent and fierce battles will be fought on the Old Trafford pitch. The Red Devils will look to keep their bid for the 4th spot alive by somehow silencing the away fans,who will be gearing up to face a renaissance affected United side.

Both sides have beaten each other once this season with Liverpool beating United 1-0 in the Premier League and United beating Liverpool 1-0 in the League Cup,thanks to a Chicharito volley.Daniel Sturridge had managed to steer in a Daniel Agger header from close range,early in the game’s proceedings.

But,the game won’t be any easier for both sides considering the fact that United had beaten Liverpool at Old Trafford in the League Cup but not at Anfield.This will be an unfamiliar position for both sides of late as at the start of the season there won’t have been many supporters from either side saying that Liverpool would have an 11 point lead over Manchester United with 10 games remaining – but that’s the way it is.

United are looking ahead to a tough set of fixtures after Liverpool and would expect to pick up 3 crucial points against the Merseysiders.

Team News

We United fans hate Liverpool,don’t we?And Liverpool fans hate our team.

Although,we United fans would have loved to contemplate either of the SAS being injured but it’s not the case.

United will be back with a full squad and winger Nani ,who was sidelined for almost a month may be back in action.

Liverpool will still be missing first choice left back Jose Enrique but the Scousers have received a double injury boost ahead of the United clash. Defensive midfielder Lucas will be back in action along with former PSG centre back Mamadou Sakho .

Expected Line-ups

Here’s how the two sides may line up at Old Trafford on Sunday

United-

 

Liverpool-

Predictions

As expected,the game will be a tense and a high pressure one and a single mistake can cost the game for either of these sides.And it sure will be make or break for Moyes’ men ,considering they will have just 9 games to go after this one to secure a European spot.

The SAS pairing will be difficult to handle but if Phil Jonah wants to prove that he’s one of the best young centre backs in the world,he’d have to prove his mettle.The same will be the case for Chris Smalling ,if he pairs up with Jonah at the back.

The Wazza-Rvp-Mata-Adnan quadruple has now been upgraded to five men with Marouane Fellaini joining in.If these five come any way near to playing well,Liverpool sure will be in for a tough time.

I predict a 1-1 draw but it’s very tough to predict,this one!

Rio Ferdy in his car

Rio Ferdinand is on his way to a training session but is evidently enjoying his time in his car. Ferdy bounced along joyfully enough to the music track titled as ‘Fill Me In’ by Craig David.

The Youth sensation United must never lose

James Wilson has succeeded in creating some waves recently

United are well renowned for producing youth stars capture eye balls at a young age and are believed to go a long way in their careers. The most famous examples include the likes of Ryan Giggs,Paul Scholes,David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Nearly all of them turn out to be revelations and broke into the first team out of the blue.

Another youth player ,who has impressed in the U-21’s this season is the 18 year old James Wilson.

He has managed to raise several eye brows after torturing opposition defenses,with the prime example being his impressive display against Wolves U-21.He scored a second half treble to hand the United U-21’s a 3-0 victory at the Molineux.The achievement was not something new to his coaches and mentors because this 18 year old has already been doing such things for his side.

The boy is blisteringly quick and if involved in a race with centre halves,it’s he who emerges victorious.This quick acceleration allows him to easily run past his man and create spaces for himself.

Wilson made his U-18’s debut when he aged just 15 and surprisingly,he even netted his first goal at the age of 15 and that being on his debut!And at such an early it would have been a dream come true for the wonder kid. He continued to embarrass defenses through out his U-18 career, with one of his victims being the Newcastle U-18 defense, who he embarrassed five times!

And at a highly young age of 18,James Wilson has cemented his age in the U-21 first squad and is turning out to be a real threat to opposition defenses.He not only possesses a frightening goal scoring prowess but also has a great appetite to close players down.He ‘s always keen on applying pressure on the defenders stops giving them any time on the ball.And his body stature,frame and strength makes him a tough contender to face.

He’s a clinical finisher even with his swinger,let alone his preferred left foot.This versatility coupled with his poaching makes him a defenders nightmare, when in the box. You never now when he’ll shot or where he’ll shoot from.

He has racked up loads of goals for the United side and one of them for the English U-21 side.

Keeping in mind the potential the sensation is inculcated with,United must give him an opportunity to shine in the pre season friendlies once this season ends.And then,maybe like Januzaj he’ll turn out to be another revelation.United can loan him out to clubs in lower divisions ,so that he acquires a better body frame and decent amount of experience to feature for United.

The Chronicles of Fredrico Macheda…

The Italian’s talent has abruptly faded into nothing

A highly competent Aston Villa side were holding on at Old Trafford on a rather anxious day for the Great Sir Alex Ferguson.A majority of the players on the pitch had become disappointing performers after two consecutive losses to Liverpool and Fulham and Fergie felt the need to introduce fresh legs.

The supposed fresh legs weren’t considered to be as inexperienced as 17 year old Frederico Macheda’s.The game progressed on till the stoppage time,with both teams striving hard to nail in a winner.The small nosed Italian,who donned the No.41 jersey, received the ball at the edge of the box and with his face towards the centre back on his left and  hammered a shot towards Brad Guzan’s goal.

Nobody could have imagined what happened next.The 17 year old from Rome was living a foreseen dream of his.The scoreline ,3-2 reflected Villa’s resiliency and also showcased what Kiko was capable of achieving in the coming years.

By then,his credentials had been approved of consisting something special in its own way.The Red Devil fans had finally again seen a 17 year old Italian Wayne Rooney giving them reasons to cheer.

His next 2 years at Old Trafford went almost according to plan,scoring his second goal against Sunderland and being named as a sub for United’s Champions League Quarter Finals against Porto did wonders to uplift the teen’s confidence.

He featured regularly in United’s League Cup campaign of the 2009-10 season and even made a Champions League debut against CSKA Moscow.

But,then he was struck by what footballers dread of the most.Injuries…

They kept him sidelined for 2 months and then the same injury reoccurred,keeping him out for 2 more weeks.

He featured only in dead rubber matches and pre-season friendlies from then on and his once believed to be -“Rooney like ” career was seemingly slumping into darkness.Loan spells at Sampdoria ,QPR and Doncaster Rovers have evidently knocked the stuffing out of the talent of the now 22 year old.A current Birmingham City No.9,Kiko is tipped to leave United at the end of this season,leaving behind memories of a goal that once guided them to glory.

The presences of other formidable youngsters like Nick Powell,Jesse Lingard,Wilfried Zaha,Danny Welbeck ,William Keane,James Wilson and Adnan Januzaj can be a bit demoralizing for him.And his spot in a team which is readying itself for a major overhaul is nothing short of firmly occupied.

If Kiko wants his career to flourish,he must move on in his career.His contract runs out this summer and moving seems to be a favorable option for the Italian.

For me,as of now I feel bad for him,very bad in fact.He was dubbed to become a Legend at the club but thanks to nasty spells of injuries,his career dissolved into nothingness.