Real Madrid Returns Odegaard. Why is This a Luxurious Decision From the Madrid Authorities?
Martin Odegaard’s arrival at Real Madrid in January 2015 was on the covers of all Spanish newspapers, and the Norwegian, who was 16 at the time, went to the second team under the careful leadership of Zinedine Zidane. Odegaard was considered one of the hottest prospects in Europe, which was destined to become one of the best ones of his generation. But at some point he failed to live up to expectations.
Now we have the identical situation where Zidane and Odegaard are present. Only Odegaard is already 21 years old, and Zidane has won 3 consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid and left a huge legacy.
The Norwegian returns to Madrid, having a great period under Leonid Slutsky in Vitesse and, already played for Sociedad. As Real Madrid were knocked off by City in the Champions League, Zidane looked towards young motivated newcomers to revive the team and the return of Odegaard is a fine step from Real Madrid’s board.
It seemed that the choice of Real Madrid did not justify itself
The talented Norwegian was only 16 years old when he had already agreed the terms of his personal contract with Real Madrid. There was a real hunt for Martin Odegaard especially among the big clubs of the English Premier League. Liverpool, Arsenal and both Manchester teams were in a queue to get the young midfielder. But Odegaard’s choice was obvious. The Norwegian prodigy, despite his support for Merseyside, decided to wear a white shirt of Real Madrid - the winners of the Champions League 2013/14.
Since establishing himself as a professional footballer Odegaard immediately gained the public attention not only in Norway, but the whole world as well. He was seen as a “Messi-like” figure who, alongside good teammates would conquer the heights of Europe. The appearance of another talent Erling Haaland also was fantastic news. It was also a great thing that even the gambling industry, including the best Norwegian odds websites, started popularizing him by offering dozens of opportunities that even had special names such as “Norwegian magician”.
After a tense period in Madrid, Odegaard moved to the Netherlands. Here Martin was immediately overtaken by a terrible failure in Heerenveen - the Norwegian managed to put the ball into the net during the entire period of his stay at the club only three times (40 matches played).
But the meeting with Leonid Slutsky and his Vitesse helped the Norwegian youngster to flourish - 22 assists in 35 games in the 2018/19 campaign. But the triumphant return to Madrid did not happen. The Norwegian was sent back on loan, this time to Real Sociedad, where Martin finally blossomed and became one of the leaders of the team. Odegaard finally made a sense of himself and it became clear that this guy's talent was really something to pay attention to. It only remains to realize it in the future, with Real Madrid
Father has had a major impact on Martin's career
It seemed that the Norwegian was favoured by everything in order to make his football career bright and memorable. Martin's father, Hans Erik Odegaard, also felt the sadness and joy of professional football and was ready to help his, perhaps, even more talented son. Hans Erik only played for a pair of Norwegian clubs, while Martin's career began at 16 and immediately at the great Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid were very impressed by how the father helped his son. So much that he was appointed coach of the youth team under 17, thus, having a contract with a 16-year-old prodigy. Martin's return to Real Madrid is the best reward for his father, who laid the foundations of his football skills.
Why do Real Madrid need Odegaard?
Looking at the already rather experienced and battered midfield of the Los Blancos it is clear why Zidane was so desperate to bring back the 21-year-old Norwegian. It will also delight Madrid fans that Barcelona have long outlived itself.
In the centre, 30-year-old Tony Kroos, Luka Modric, 34, and Casemiro 28, are still present. The ever-promising Isco is also 28 and the only young midfielder is the wildly progressive Fede Valverde, 22. So why not bring back the guy who had a great season at Sociedad and who can rejuvenate and revive the midfield?
Martin Odegaard may not be in this quartet at once, but playing alongside such masters as Luka Modric and Tony Kroos will teach Odegaard a lot, preparing him for the future to shine at the base of the Blancos. In addition, before our eyes we have an example of 22-year-old Valverde, who was excellent in the previous season and won his place in the lineup.
What can we expect from Odegaard at Madrid?
Of course, Odegaard is likely not to get a lot of playing time he had at Sociedad. But the young Norwegian will have the opportunity to experience the pressure in the Champions League games and the wild support of his fans at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu.
However, on the shoulders of Martin will fall all the hype that constantly surrounds Los Blancos. From Odeegard everyone will expect an instant return, despite his still very young age. And here a lot will depend on the Norwegian himself. Will Martin be able to overcome this challenge? Will he be able to stay focused and in good judgment, especially if his first matches for Real Madrid are not so successful? When we get the answers to all these questions, we will be able to talk about the future of Odegaard in the Spanish capital.
But these are the tests that fall to almost any young footballer coming to the elite club, and especially in such as Real Madrid. And Odegaard should not be timid, especially when we have the example of his compatriot, 20-year-old Erling Haaland who is flourishing in the Bundesliga.
Throughout his career, Martin had to prove his own worth, contrary to circumstances and scepticism, but he still succeeded and was closer than ever to the big dream - the game for the legendary Real Madrid. Now Odegaard must show that the Los Blancos signed not just a talented 16-year-old boy in 2015, but found for the club a future star.
