Jose Enrique says Real Madrid made a ‘massive mistake’ by letting Martin Odegaard join Arsenal on a permanent transfer in 2021 because he can now ‘play in any team in the world’, as he posted on his Instagram story.

The former Liverpool left-back was reacting to Rio Ferdinand’s recent praise of Arsenal’s captain, with the Manchester United legend comparing him to Mesut Ozil at his best.

After being handed the armband by Mikel Arteta in the summer, Odegaard has been outstanding for the current Premier League leaders and Enrique thinks the initial deal to sign him was ‘amazing’.

Odegaard first moved to north London on a loan deal from Real Madrid, before the former wonderkid returned to the La Liga giants and he was then snapped up by Arsenal for good for £30 million (Sky Sports).

From his ability to put the ball through an opponent’s legs inside their box to his pin-point and outstanding weight of pass, he’s an outstanding playmaker in the middle of the park – it has been suggested that when Odegaard trained with Liverpool as a 15-year-old, he was impressive.

Whilst Real Madrid have the likes of Luka Modric still producing Ballon d’Or-like performances, Enrique still feels it was a mistake from Carlo Ancelotti to allow him to leave.

“Very well deserved praise (from Rio Ferdinand),” said Enrique. “What a player and very humble as well. He will play in any team in the world.

“Massive mistake from Real Madrid for letting him go. Amazing deal for Arsenal for less than 40m Euros.”

ODEGAARD LEADING BY EXAMPLE

The last two Arsenal captains – Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – didn’t exactly showcase themselves in good light when the armband was taken off them.

That role hasn’t served Arsenal well over the years, even if Xhaka is now a transformed figure and he has won back the supporters.

Therefore, there was a lot of pressure on Odegaard’s shoulders when Arteta made him skipper, but just like he does for Norway, he has taken it in his stride.

Odegaard is leading by example out on the pitch, yes, he might not be as vocal as someone like Xhaka, but that’s where the Switzerland international becomes the leader without the armband and he compliments Odegaard really well.