Klopp admits he tried to sign Arsenal star

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he has always been a fan of Arsenal star Martin Odegaard.

THE LOWDOWN: EARLY  LIMELIGHT

Odegaard was thrust into the spotlight an an early age when he was signed by Real Madrid at the tender age of 16.

However, he spent the majority of his time on loan before securing a move to Arsenal, where he has since shown why he was once one of the hottest prospects in world football.

Odegaard has seen his stock rise at Arsenal over a short period of time, where he is now currently the captain of the first team. The Norwegian has been in fine form this season as well, and will be one of the dangermen Liverpool must be wary about when they visit the Emirates on Sunday.

Liverpool visit the Gunners on Sunday and Klopp had some words of praise for Odegaard ahead of the game.

THE LATEST: RIVAL PRAISE

Showing his admiration of Arsenal’s midfield creator, Klopp said: “I really like him,” he told TV2.

“It’s easy these days. It was a bit more difficult at the start of his career when he was at Real Madrid. Then it looked like it might not go his way.”

“I was really disappointed by that, because we wanted him in Dortmund when he was very young. We had a long conversation when he was still a boy, together with his father. In the end he decided on Madrid, and that’s fine, but that’s why I’ve always followed him.”

The Liverpool boss added: “You can only imagine how many talents, huge talents, crazy talents, I have seen over the course of quite a while in this industry. At the time, Martin was 15 years old and already playing in Norway. The whole world went berserk.”

“Until he was 15, he probably experienced no hardship. After that, a lot of things went against him. It makes him the person he is now, the man he is now, and the player he is now. I’m really happy that he has now become the player we all expected him to become. In fact, even better than that, if you will.”

“He plays a massive role in an incredibly strong Arsenal team.”

THE VERDICT: WELL SAID

Not like the comments will do anything of note but Odegaard would at least be flattered to get praise from a top rival coach. Thankfully, Klopp’s interest in the midfielder never amounted to anything concrete and today, it is Arsenal who are enjoying the player’s brilliance.

Odegaard has already scored three Premier League goals this season and will be aiming to add to his tally on Sunday.