Just weeks after snapping up Julen Lopetegui from his managerial position of the Spanish national team, Real Madrid have completed the signing of yet another member of the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad – Alvaro Odriozola. The 22-year-old was named in the final squad for the international tournament but never got to feature for La Roja, sitting behind the likes of Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernández and Cesar Azpilicueta in the pecking order.
He does have 4 caps to his name for the Spanish senior squad, having scored in the pre-World Cup friendly against Switzerland. He is reported to have cost the Galacticos €40m as per his release clause with Real Sociedad. The full-back is set to undergo a medical upon which he will pen down a six-year contract.
Odriozola has showcased his abilities to surge ahead from the right flank while at the same time be vigilant on the defensive end of the pitch. His technical ability and willingness to stretch the floor makes him one of the most talented young defenders in the La Liga.
The Spaniard also has a quality touch on the ball with the vision to find his teammates on the offensive side of the pitch. Just like any modern day fullback, he perfectly fits into the attacking system that Madrid have in place at the Santiago Bernabeu. In January 2017, Odriozola got to make his senior team debut against Malaga when Carlos Martinez and Joseba Zaldua were out injured. He finished the 2016/17 season with 16 appearances and 18 for the club’s reserve side.
He had featured in 41 matches for Sociedad last term and was directly involved in 4 goals, setting himself apart in the Spanish top-flight. His fine form for the White and Blues was rewarded with a call-up to the Spain U21 squad for the European Championships in Poland.
In the space of six months, Odriozola had gone from being just another prospect to finishing as a silver medallist in the world stage. Later, he got his first call-up to the senior national side for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania.
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Now, the 22-year-old will have to go up against his international teammates at the prestigious Bernabeu ranks. With Lopetegui taking over from Zinedine Zidane, he is expected to get a few favours over the likes of Moroccan youngster, Achraf Hakimi. The latter is expected to be sent away to Borussia Dortmund on a 2-year loan spell in order to continue his development.
