Martin Odegaard picks up a well-deserved accolade

Real Madrid attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard is currently enjoying a successful half-season loan spell with Arsenal. Before the 2020-2021 season started, Madridistas expected Odegaard to play a key role for Los Blancos, as he was recalled to the first team instead of being sent out on loan for a second year.

But instead of flourishing with Real, the Norwegian barely played, perhaps due to Zinedine Zidane protecting him from further harm after a potentially serious long-term knee injury hindered him a bit. The cautious approach led to Odegaard fighting for a loan with Arsenal, but, in the long run, it could prove to be beneficial to Real, so long as they don’t botch things again next season.

Odegaard has taken well to his time in North London already. After scoring a banger against Olympiacos and then scoring again in the North London derby, Odegaard had a masterclass against West Ham. He is lighting it up, and although Arsenal fans understand he’s likely headed back to Madrid, they are practically begging for at least one more year of Martin.

In fact, Arsenal announced that their fans had voted Martin Odegaard as the club’s Player of the Month for March 2021. And it is an honor Odegaard, who scored twice, deserves wholeheartedly.

Martin Odegaard is already becoming a leader for Arsenal

Odegaard offered a lot more than the two goals, of course. He dictated play and showed that he is a level above anyone else on the team, including players who have been established in Arsenal’s first team for years.

According to WhoScored.com, the 22-year-old had 14 key passes and 8 dribbles completed in all competitions last month, providing real playmaking ability to an Arsenal side that was completely bereft of this quality before acquiring Odegaard on loan this winter.

His performances with the Gunners should be highly encouraging to Madridistas, who can already see the signs of Odegaard’s MVP-caliber form at Real Sociedad beginning to show in the high-pressure Premier League.

So far, Odegaard has held up well to the scrutiny, and this Player of the Month award is just the start of what he can achieve in North London before the season ends. With Odegaard in the lineup, Arsenal have a fighting chance, as they are in ninth and look like potential risers if more teammates around him can step up and take note from Odegaard’s initiative.

The leadership skills he’s shown with Real Sociedad and Arsenal are a great sign for Real Madrid in the future.