Real Madrid At Real Sociedad: 3 X-Factors To Watch On Matchday 2

2. Martin Odegaard off the bench for Real Madrid

There were initially some doubts about Martin Odegaard being able to play for Real Madrid, but the Norway international is expected to be available against the club he starred for last season.

Odegaard will almost certainly start the game from the bench as he is eased into regular action in Zinedine Zidane’s rotation. The exact midfield trio – or even if just three midfielders will be deployed – is unclear, but Odegaard will likely enter the game later as a substitute.

All eyes would then be on Odegaard’s impact on the pitch. He’s quite familiar with shining at the Anoeta Stadium, having been arguably La Real’s best player alongside fellow midfielder Mikel Merino last season.

Odegaard has the energy, dribbling skills, and eye for the key pass that would enable him to change the game from the bench. If Los Blancos are in trouble late and need a goal to break, say, another 0-0 deadlock, Odegaard could provide the class and passing touch in the final third to make it happen for Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema. He could be the ace up Zidane’s sleeve on Sunday night.

Counting on Odegaard to have a big game in his first match for Real Madrid after recovering from an injury is unfair, but he could be an X-Factor come Sunday. He is a name to watch.