Real Madrid has made a splash in the transfer market having signed a high profile right-back from Real Sociedad. Here’s a look at the transfer, player and what this means for Real Madrid.
Here’s something many have been waiting and praying dearly to the higher-ups for, Florentino Perez opening up the checkbook. Real Madrid has signed the young and talented Spaniard from Real Sociedad. There was a €40 million buyout clause attached to the defender but neither club has made any word on whether that sum was paid or a different agreement was made.
👋 Welcome to #RealMadrid, Álvaro Odriozola!#WelcomeOdriozola | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/CzTq3VP42f
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 5, 2018
Alvaro was called up by then manager Julen Lopetegui to be a part for the Spanish National Team. Unfortunately, after an upset loss and early exit to hosts Russia in the Round of 16 Alvaro has returned home. But, that may have been to some benefit as he has signed with one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Through the Offical Real Madrid page, the club announced the signing of their new player in the afternoon, local time. The announcement states that the signing is complete once his medical exam is done, but at this point, it is most likely a formality. Odriozola has put pen to paper with Madrid signing a 6-year deal.
Who is Alvaro Ordiozola?
Alvaro is a great buy for Real Madrid in many ways, one of the biggest being a small one. The defender didn’t cost an arm and leg as do many big-name players today. Real’s scouting system paid dividends in recognizing the talents of the youngster and snatching him up before a bidding war ensues.
The former Real Sociedad talent is 22 years old and spent most of his professional footballing career with his former team. Alvaro started off with Real Sociedad U19 then made his way to the B team in 2014. He would then spend three seasons with the Segunda B team before his first season in the top flight. During last season Alvaro caught the eyes of many big teams in Europe, it was only a matter of time before a club swooped in.
In addition to his club play, Alvaro has represented his country in two different competitions. The youngster plays three games for La Roja in their U21 division. Julen Lopotegui has been quite a fan of the right-back as well, bringing up to the first team. Odriozola has played four games with senior side also scoring a goal.
Last season Alvaro played 41 games with Sociedad, 34 in La Liga and 6 in the Copa del Rey. He played over 3, 400 minutes scoring a goal and assisting his side four times. Alvaro is great in holding the ball from attacking opposition showing a great deal of composure while doing so.
113 - Álvaro Odriozola completed 113 attacking crosses in La Liga last season, more than any other player in the competition. @realmadrid pic.twitter.com/EH6h3yI8zC
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 5, 2018
Odriozola is also a great passer of the ball, last season he averages an 89% pass completion rate. With great passing also comes a strong ability to cross the ball with accuracy something that is key at Madrid. While his positioning isn’t always perfect he makes up for it with incredible pace.
What this means for Madrid
As of now, Real Madrid has three players to fill play in the center-back role. Most teams carry just two and have a versatile defender who can cover if needed, in Real’s case this is Nacho. Dani Carvajal and Hakimi Achraf made up for most of the minutes played in that position. The new season though will bring about a new and much stronger pairing.
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Dani Carvajal will remain the first choice as the right-back for Real Madrid. Carvajal has proved his value and commitment to this club time and again. Now 26 years-old the Spaniard is at the top of his game and will be for the next few seasons. Dani is a youth product has been with the club since 2009 and it is very unlikely he will be going anywhere just yet.
Odriozola being four years Dani’s junior will have a great role model and mentor close by. Dani, of course, understands the culture of the club and what it means to play for Real Madrid. Given the age gap, this looks to be a smooth passing of the baton when the time comes.
With the addition of Alvaro, this means there is one player must now head out the door. Achraf Hakimi who is also a right-back will most likely be the sacrificial lamb so to speak. He will most likely say his farewells as he has been linked with a move to German club Bourissa Dortmund. It is likely that wherever Hakimi goes it will either be on loan or a buy-back clause will be put in place.