Brighton defender Levi Colwill will be relishing the opportunity to test himself against Martin Odegaard after being blown away by the Arsenal skipper the last time they met.
The Chelsea loanee has been used sporadically by Roberto De Zerbi this season – and predominantly when Adam Webster was sidelined – but he played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal back on New Year’s Eve.
Although the Seagulls had been in good form going into the match, they were blitzed by the title-chasing Gunners and went 3-0 down after 47 minutes.
Brighton ultimately ended up on the wrong end of a 4-2 defeat that night, with Odegaard scoring, assisting and earning the Man of the Match award after a superb display.
Seeing the former Real Madrid playmaker up close – and coming out second best – was a real eye-opener for Colwill, who was full of praise for Odegaard afterwards but also keen to pit his wits against him again in the future – something he may get the chance to do on Sunday.
‘Martin Odegaard was very good,’ said Colwill in programme notes before facing Liverpool back in January.
‘Having to get close to him, wow! The levels he reached that day were so impressive.
‘Hopefully in a few more years it will be a different result in a one-to-one with him but it was a good experience despite the result.
‘It doesn’t matter who you play at this level though, you just can’t switch off at any time.
‘You’ve always got to stay focused because some of the players in the Premier League can do anything with a football. Give them half a chance and it’s a goal.’
Colwill has been on the bench in Brighton’s last three Premier League outings but was introduced at half-time of Monday’s shock 5-1 defeat to Everton.
De Zerbi made four half-time changes with the side 3-0 down at the break, with Colwill replacing Webster, and the young centre-back could come into the starting XI for the trip to the Emirates.
Speaking after the loss to Everton, De Zerbi said: ‘I think on Sunday [vs Arsenal] we will show our quality and be back to playing our style. You will see the true Brighton.’
MORE : Roberto De Zerbi admits Brighton face ‘difficult’ situation if Chelsea keep Levi Colwill
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