LAFC recently announced the signing of 21-year-old Norwegian attacking midfielder Odin Thiago Holm, adding a dynamic and versatile player to their roster. Holm, who joins LAFC on loan from Scottish club Celtic F.C., brings energy, pace, and creativity to the Black & Gold midfield. With a wealth of potential, let’s look at some key things about the young star.
7 key things to know about Odin Thiago Holm
1. His Roots in Trondheim and Love for Rosenborg BK
Born and raised in Trondheim, Norway, Holm was able to connect closely with local football club Rosenborg BK. As one of the country’s most successful clubs, Rosenborg has accumulated 26 league championships and 11 appearances in the UEFA Champions League between 1991 and 2004. He attended all of their games as a kid with family and friends and has been a proud Rosenborg and their history in Norwegian football success.
2. Admiration for Lionel Messi and Thiago Alcântara
Growing up, Holm was an admirer of footballing heroes, and the Argentine maestro Lionel Messi was one of his biggest heroes. Holm admired the manner in which Messi performed during his heyday at Barcelona and bagged Ballon d’Or awards consecutively. The other influencer in the development of Holm was former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcântara.
Holm is fascinated by the technical skills, ball control, and the creativity with which Thiago plays. Holm was so infatuated with Thiago that as a teenager, he even started adding “Thiago” to his name-a gesture that highlighted the depth of his admiration. His parents had such opposition to it at first, though, that they eventually warmed up to it as the years passed and Holm became more serious in his passion for football.
3. A Very Coveted Young Talent
Holm’s football skills have not been overlooked in the football world. As a young boy, some of the big clubs in Europe showed interest in signing him up. Academies from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Juventus were interested in signing him up. His impressive skill set and potential earned him a spot on The Guardian’s “Next Generation” list in 2020, which highlighted 60 of the best young football talents across the globe.
In 2023, Holm’s continued ascendancy earned him the nomination for the Golden Boy, the prize dished out for the best player under 21 in Europe. Though the winner was Jude Bellingham, a nomination to this top 100 list showed where Holm ranks as one of the brightest talents in world football.
4. Celtic F.C.
In June 2023, Holm joined Celtic F.C., one of the most successful and storied clubs in the Scottish Premiership and European football history. Holm described himself as a “creative player” who thrives on freedom and instincts. He is a versatile midfielder, capable of playing as a number 8 or number 10, contributing offensively with key passes, assists, and goals.
Holm is a creative player with an attacking mindset, and his ability to transition the ball and link up play will be a good asset for LAFC.
5. Impressive Showings in Pre-Season Friendlies
Before joining LAFC, Holm made an impression in a friendly game played for Celtic against MLS side DC United. Coming on in the second half of the game, Holm looked impressive with his play, albeit having to use his whole hand to save it off his boot down the right wing. The match ended 4–0 in Celtic’s favor, and the performance in this particular game exposed his potential and how he could make a difference on the field.
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6. Passion for Snow Skiing
Aside from football, Holm loves snow skiing, an activity he was raised with due to Norway’s winter climatic conditions. Holm remains very much in touch with the Alps which he visits annually. Holm’s skiing background conveys his versatility and love for adventure and shows that Holm enjoys balancing his football career with other great passions.
7. Signing for LAFC on Loan
Holm should interest both him and LAFC in any sort of interesting move. There was a significant, dynamic spark injected into that part of midfield due to creativity for LAFC; Holm came in a direct loan switch from Celtic FC as he stepped onto the pitches facing a bigger American challenge within the Major Leagues. He is waiting for his visa and transfer documents before he can even start to train with his teammates in preparation for the new MLS season.
After showing promise in the past, Odin Thiago Holm flowers in LAFC. The player can take the game from one end to another; thanks to his speed, creativity, and transition capabilities, which he would utilize in changing the pace of a game in Major League Soccer. He used to stay in the youth system in Norway, where he learned a great deal.
While Celtic provided him with successful stints, he hopes to leave a mark on LAFC, at the forefront cup challenges over the US. A chance to prepare himself to hoist the inaugural Cup for the team. The followers of football should follow Holm’s dystopian tale in America as he settles sufficiently into LAFC’s high-paced, attacking-oriented style of play.
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