Real Madrid: 3 players who must step up with Rodrygo Goes injured

AM Martin Odegaard

For my last pick, I would like to highlight an attacking midfielder in Martin Odegaard instead of another winger, such as Lucas Vazquez.

Odegaard and Rodrygo do not occupy the same roles for Real Madrid, but Odegaard can help make up for Rodrygo’s injury over the next month. The main loss in production without Rodrygo is in the chance-creation department, as the player was the most efficient assist-provider in all competitions both in terms of xA per 90 and total assists per 90.

Last season, Odegaard was one of La Liga’s most creative players, as he ran the point for Real Sociedad and nearly led them to Champions League qualification. He probably would have succeeded, too, if it weren’t for a knee injury that hindered him in the second-half of the season.

Injuries have impacted Odegaard’s ability to help Los Blancos in 2020-2021, but he is healthy now and just waiting to get a good run with the first team. Odegaard, who can also play on the right-hand side as a left-footed wide playmaker like James Rodriguez sometimes did, could be a major contributor to Real Madrid in the assists department. He is a name to watch among the young backups, because he could be an X-Factor in Real racking up some more silverware this season.