Cristiano Ronaldo predicted that Martin Odegaard would realise his full potential - but knew it would take some time.
The Norwegian has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season and has been instrumental in the club's push for a top-four finish. It's no surprise to see the midfielder performing at a high level as his talent has never been questioned, but it's not been a straightforward journey for the 23-year-old.
Odegaard had enormous expectations on his shoulders when he joined Real Madrid aged just 16 back in 2015 and was tipped to be one of football's next superstars. But that didn't materialise as he struggled to get into Madrid's first team and bounced around on loan during his time at the Bernabeu.
Odegaard's last short-term move from Madrid was to Arsenal at the end of last season where he played the best football of his career, prompting the Gunners to make the loan move permanent in the summer for £30million.
It's a move that has worked out for both parties. Odegaard has continued right where he left off and then some as he continues to reach new heights under Arteta. He has netted six goals and provided a further six assists in the Premier League this season but that doesn't tell the full story of his influence on the side with impressive underlying numbers.
It might have taken some time for Odegaard to come good, but his former teammate Ronaldo knew he was always destined to reach his full potential.
During an interview with BT Sport back in 2015, the Manchester United forward was asked to name five players he thought would go on to enjoy stellar careers. He replied: "You see many players with potential.
"I will mention Martin Odegaard of Madrid for example, at 16 he's still young but you can see he's a very good player. He's a great player, I think he's a young boy, he can still grow. He has a good future ahead.
'We must give him time to learn, to take his best decisions. But I see a lot of potential in the player, he has got a good left foot."
Odegaard has worn the skipper's armband for Arsenal this campaign and is in the running to be given it on a permanent basis next season. "He certainly has all the qualities to do that, absolutely," Arteta replied when asked if he saw Odegaard as a potential captain.
Should Martin Odegaard be named Arsenal's permanent captain? Let us know in the comment section below
"Talking to his national team coach and how highly they speak of him. He walks through the corridor and everybody loves him. He is such a nice, humble guy and he leads with the way he is. It is very natural for him and that will come.
"He generated expectations when he was 16 as well. Everybody wanted him. And then he had to fulfil that in a club like Madrid where the competition is like it is.
"It is extremely difficult but now he has found his place. He is really happy here, he has the environment. He has the people, he has the time on the pitch to enjoy it and I think that is what he is doing."
