Real Madrid: 5 takeaways from 1-0 win over Real Valladolid

Alvaro Odriozola quietly plays well for Real Madrid

Real Madrid right back Alvaro Odriozola is ideally a wing back and not a right back in a back four, but he put in another good shift for Los Blancos in the victory over Real Valladolid. Like Luka Jovic, Odriozola was subbed early in the second half for the more experienced Dani Carvajal, but he still made his presence felt.

Odriozola had a couple of spotty moments in terms of his positioning, as he often pinched inside too much. But whenever he was caught out, he recovered well, using his breathtaking pace to his advantage.

The best part of Odriozola’s game is obviously his attacking contribution. Odriozola was always looking to make something happen, pushing up the pitch and aggressively attempting to make penetrating runs on the ball into the box.

Odri’s initiative and athleticism will serve him well in this backup role for Carvajal at Real Madrid, and there are minutes for the taking for Odriozola in the 2020-2021 season. He got his first chance vs. Real Valladolid this Wednesday, and while he left the pitch early, I think he showed enough to give Madridistas plenty to think about heading into October. In total, Odriozola had three dribbles completed in this game.