Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Levante

Real Madrid AM Martin Odegaard

For the first time this season, Martin Odegaard did not start for Real Madrid at mid-week against Real Valladolid, as Zinedine Zidane elected to roll with Casemiro, Luka Modric, Fede Valverde, and Isco in midfield.

Odegaard started against both Real Sociedad and Real Betis, looking better in the former game than the latter. Although it was just his first game of the season, Odegaard looked like he could transform Madrid’s attack with his key passes, running and pressing defensively, and skillful dribbling on the ball.

One of La Liga’s all-star players last season on loan at Real Sociedad, Odegaard has all the physical and mental tools to be a regular starter for Los Blancos in 2020-2021. But competition is fierce. Isco made his own statement of importance in helping Real Madrid come back against Betis last Saturday, so he will be a presence in the lineup, too.

Still, Odegaard is the future of Real Madrid, and Zidane requested his return after the loss to Manchester City. So look for the Norwegian midfielder to get every opportunity. He could get his first assist for Los Blancos this Sunday against Levante, looking at the opposition in front of him. Odegaard brings a different kind of skill-set and class to the Royal White midfield.