Martin Odegaard Named to Real Madrid Champions League Squad
Following an impressive B-team debut for Real Madrid, Martin Odegaard has been named to Real Madrid’s squad for their upcoming Champions League matches. During his debut, Odegaard set up two of the sides’ three goals during his 63 minutes of play.
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The match might have only been a friendly, but it did showcase the skill and talent the young Norwegian possesses. It is likely that — pending his physical condition — Odegaard could be called up for the B-team’s Segunda B match against Athletic B this weekend.
Should the young playmaker make his Champions League debut against Schalke, he would become the youngest player to ever play in the Champions League. Only turning 16 in December, Odegaard would have the record by just over a month and a half.
The Norwegian already holds the record for youngest ever player in the Norwegian top flight, youngest ever goal scorer in Norway, youngest ever Norway international, and the youngest ever player to appear in a European Championship match.
With many expecting big things from Odegaard, the player is quickly proving his doubters wrong. At only 16, many were shocked at the £80,000 per week contract he was handed at Madrid. Should his development continue at its current pace, that contract could end up becoming a bargain for the Spanish giants.
Even if Odegaard fails to continue at this developmental pace, he could still become one of the world’s finest midfielders. Being signed for the next four years will also give him some options in his future. Those options could possibly enhance his future development.
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He could eventually force a move away from the club if he begins to struggle as a result of the squad’s current star power. Almost every top Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A side will continue to pursue this young man over the course of his career, allowing him plenty of options in his future.
Real Madrid do not have a strong track record with their youth development. However, the promotion of Odegaard to the Champions League squad signals a belief in the player — one that many top officials at the club share.
Eurosport’s Spanish Soccer expert Ivan Castello had a very favorable review of the youngster due to the quality and talent he possesses.
"“He needs to build strength because he has a child’s body but he has got the talent and the quality for the first team. He usually finishes training sessions working with Cristiano Ronaldo, looking to improve his shooting.”"
Any player that Ronaldo takes time out to help must be technically gifted to the point of being special. If Ronaldo sees enough talent to help Odegaard, one can only wonder just how good the Norwegian could one day be. If he lives up to his potential, he could become one of the best to ever have played the game.