Prodigious Martin Odegaard, just 15, called up to the Norway national team
In a sensational move, Norway’s national football coach Per-Mathias
Hogmo called up a 15-year old prodigy to the national team. Hogmo made
the brave decision when he invited Martin Odegaard to join the national
squad ahead of Norway’s friendly against United Arab Emirates. The
Scandanavians are scheduled to play two friendly matches – first against
the UAE on 27 August and then against England at the Wembley on 03
September.
The young boy was born on 17 December, 1998 – giving him an
opportunity to become the youngest debutant for Norway at 15 years and
253 days. The previous youngest player to play for the national team was
Tormod Kjellsen, who was 15 years and 351 days old when he represented
Norway against Sweden in 1910. Odegaard has played with some distinction
for the reigning champions in Norway, Stromsgodset.
He has even scored three goals in his 14 appearances thus far for the
Norwegian club. Several other European clubs have been sending scouts
to get a closer look at this promising young footballer.
Among the clubs
that have expressed an interest are Barcelona, Manchester United,
Manchester City, Juventus, Paris St-Germain and Ajax. “I said before the
season that he could be the youngest player ever to play for our senior
team,” said Hogmo in a statement released to the media.
The boy himself though has admitted that he was surprised. “This is a
dream come true,” gushed Odegaard, “I am shocked.” The young boy has
the credit of being the youngest Norwegian to ever play top level club
football and this call up promises to catapult him into the big league.
There has been some concern voiced about the possible impact on calling
up a raw boy to national duty, but his father refused to buy into the
argument.
Hans Erik Odegaard was himself a player at Stromsgodset, the same
club his represents now. "If you are good enough, you are old enough,"
said Hans Erik Odegaard, throwing caution to the wind. The younger
Odegaard will be in the eye of a storm should he turn out on the pitch
in that friendly against the UAE in Stavanger.
source: http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/prodigious-martin-odegaard-just-15-called-up-for-norway-national-team
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