Real Madrid legend Jorge Valdano has hit out at Martin Odegaard as the young attacking midfielder closes in on a loan move to Arsenal.
Odegaard has struggled to cement a place in Zinedine Zidane's line-up this season and will hope to gain valuable playing time with the Gunners.
Despite being ranked as one of the most promising talents in Europe at one stage, the Norwegian international has not quite managed to live up to early expectations yet.
And speaking to Spanish outlet El Transistor Valdano stated his belief that it is Odegaard's mental rather than physical attributes which need to improve if he is to be a success at the Bernabeu.
“The quality that Odegaard possess is necessary for this Real Madrid team,” Valdano said.
“I don’t think that Odegaard has played badly. Perhaps he was a bit conservative when it came to him, maybe he lacked some more daring actions, but he also lacked patience to continue at Real Madrid. In the end he competes with two stars like Modric and Kroos.
“I am more concerned about his mentality.
“It is not worthy of a Real Madrid player to leave your place, not have that patience. It’s not just any player ahead of him. I am surprised that he would leave the club and leave his spot open for others.”
Odegaard should prove to be an exciting acquisition for Arsenal, and Rio Ferdinand is one onlooker who is intrigued to see how the player adjusts to the Premier League.
"He’s got potential, 100%," Ferdinand said on his Five YouTube channel.
"It’s about Mikel Arteta unlocking that. I think this kid is a talent, there’s no doubting that. But he’s got to find a home now. Hopefully at Arsenal.
"I want him to do well. Arteta had a reputation when he was at City and now here at Arsenal for getting the best out of young players. Hopefully that follows true with this player."
