Sunday, 21st December, 2014
Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise believes that there is too much expectation being placed on countryman Martin Odegaard.
The 16-year-old midfielder is being chased by a whole host of Europe's elite clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Manchester United, Celtic, Real Madrid, Juventus and Ajax.
Several sides have had Odegaard over to train with them, while also wooing the youngster with tours around their facilities.
Odegaard, a senior Norway international who currently turns out for Stromsgodset in his homeland, is expected to make a decision on his future in the new year.
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For Riise, too much is already expected of Odegaard and it could be tough for the midfielder to handle.
"I feel a bit sorry for the boy", Riise told Dagbladet.
"With anticipation the pressure rises.
"There is talk of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal.
"It makes people expect a lot."
However, Riise does feel that Odegaard has a good support network, led by his father, Hans-Erik.
"But he does seem to have his feet firmly on the ground and it seems like he has a great family around him.
"Even so, it will be tough for him now. People are wary of him and people will look out for him."
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