Real Madrid: 3 young players destined to break out in 2021
AM Martin Odegaard
Technically, Martin Odegaard already had his breakout for Real Madrid, though the breakout happened while on loan for Real Sociedad last season. But I still think Odegaard qualifies for a list like this one for two reasons.
Firstly, his start to the 2020-2021 season has been so unideal that we are at a “reset” point with Odegaard – hence the new loan to Arsenal at the 2021 winter transfer window. Secondly, Odegaard was one of La Liga’s top five players in the first half of the 2019-2020 campaign in San Sebastian, but he fell back down to earth by the end of the campaign due to a nagging injury. Even at Real Madrid this season, the injuries have been a question.
Odegaard is getting a second chance this season at Arsenal, where he has an easy opportunity to be a breakout star. All the spotlight will be on Arsenal and the young Norwegian, and while that pressure would be a daunting prospect for most players, Odegaard is one of those rare talents who seems to relish the pressure and responsibility. Look no further than what he did at La Real as “the guy” running the show attacking-wise.
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The 22-year-old can do the same for the Gunners to close the 2020-2021 season. After that, he’ll either remain in North London as their star on a second loan, or, hopefully, he will be Real Madrid’s star man in 2021-2022.