Real Madrid: 5 burning questions from a 1-1 draw with Elche

When will Martin Odegaard get his chance?

Martin Odegaard has been healthy and available for a few matches now, but we have not seen the 22-year-old suit up for Real Madrid since that fateful Dec. 1 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk. But Odegaard had nothing to do with Real’s struggles. In fact, he is a possible solution to the aforementioned issue against low blocks.

Odegaard did not feature against Elche at all, not even as a substitute which was the expectation. Madridistas are discouraged by Odegaard’s lack of action, and while the player himself is unlikely to cause any issues, it’s nonetheless disconcerting to see him receive so few chances.

Last season, Odegaard was one of La Liga’s best players, particularly in the first half of the season. It’s not a stretch to say that at one point, only Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi were more impressive among attacking players.

Odegaard has magic in his feet, particularly as a passer. He is capable of creating chances on a plate and carving up defensive lines with one through ball. Odegaard can greatly boost his teammates and give Los Blancos the answer the need against low blocks by creating those kinds of clear-cut chances that don’t necessitate an over-reliance on crosses.

I hope we see Odegaard out there against Celta Vigo, because it’s about damn time he got a chance to play consistently and develop into the Real Madrid difference-maker he’s seemingly destined to become.