Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from Martin Odegaard’s loan to Arsenal

Martin Odegaard will need to readjust expectations when he heads back to Real Madrid

Honestly, though, the fact that Martin Odegaard has started in just 8 of his 12 Premier League appearances is a reminder that he isn’t ready to play as often as he thinks he is. There are a lot of fans who want to be quick to villainize Zinedine Zidane, and it’s kind of laughable how some people want to act as if they know more than a guy who won three straight Champions Leagues and was one of the best players ever. But I digress.

Odegaard has shown flashes of brilliance in North London, but he hasn’t been a week-in, week-out impact player. Some of that is down to the fact that it’s really hard to stand out on Arsenal, because the team is kind of dysfunctional and might not be led by a good manager. (I’ll refrain from being too harsh on a manager I don’t cover every game.)

The point remains, though, Odegaard still needs some time before he can become a key player for Real Madrid. He was one of LaLiga’s best in 2019-2020, but one great half-season isn’t enough to start for a club like Los Merengues. It’s really, really hard to be a regular starter at this club, given the competition within the squad and target every other club places on the backs of Madrid attackers. Just ask Eden Hazard about that.

When Odegaard returns to Real next season, he needs to realize that he’s going to have to FIGHT for his place. He’s going to have to fight like he’s never fought before. And he can’t get discouraged if Zidane protects him in some games or goes with his “old guard” in others. He just has to buckle down and FIGHT.