Martin Odegaard created headlines in 2015 when Real Madrid announced the signing of the 16-year wonder-kid. Carlo Ancelloti was in charge of proceedings at Real Madrid when Martin put his first steps on the Santiago Bernabeu pitch.
Odegaard came on in the second half to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the last game of the season for Real Madrid against Getafe. Following that the player has not been given many first-team chances and has spent large chunks of his time with Real Madrid Castilla or on loan at other clubs.
In all honesty, the player has failed to integrate himself into the setup or adjust to the harsh surroundings in the Spanish Capital. However, the player’s latest loan move to Real Sociedad in the Primera Divison has brought him within the vicinity of Zinedine Zidane.
Odegaard is hell-bent on proving a point for himself and doing justice to the faith Los Blancos showed in him at just 16 years of age. The midfielder has featured in all three of La Real’s league games this season and has been a standout performer. The side from San Sebastian have even awarded Odegaard their Player of the Month award for August.
In the overview of the three games, he played for Imanol Alguacil’s side Odegaard managed one goal and averaged 1.7 shots, two key passes and three dribbles per game. Amongst the three games, Odegaard’s true potential as a footballer was revealed against Valencia in the opening match of the season.
Odegaard was instrumental in the centre of the park in one of the trickiest opening games of the season where Real Sociedad managed to snatch a point deep into extra time with a penalty kick converted by Mikel Oyarzabal. Martin has seemingly developed an excellent midfield partnership and understanding with former Real Madrid midfielder, Asier Illarramendi.
It’s still early days in the season, and Odegaard has to put in these performances consistently for the entire season before even thinking of making his return to the Real Madrid shirt. With dedicated performances like these, Zidane would be put in a spot of bothering about recalling the youngster and making him a part of his plans with Los Blancos.
