The Hale End graduate stood out on the club’s Asia tour, catching attention against AC Milan and Newcastle United, but Odegaard insists the teenage midfielder must be carefully eased into senior football.
“He’s a top player, top talent, and I think everyone has seen it now in pre-season, what he’s done,” he told Men In Blazers.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him and create too much of expectations around him, but we just need to give him time to be himself, to grow and learn.
“Everyone can see the quality. The key thing for us is to help him, support him and make sure he can take it in his own way and his own time. I’m sure he’s going to be a great player for us.
“Life can change really quickly when you get into the first team, so I think I can use that experience to give them some advice here and there. Telling them to stay focused, work hard and to keep your focus where it has to be. When you come through at a young age, there’s going to be a lot of expectations and a lot of hype, but you need to stay focused and keep enjoying your football.”