Proceeding into the next season, Real Madrid will possess one of their most balanced set of midfielders in recent times. The club now has the perfect combination of youth and experience in this position. A standout youngster who could lead the next generation of midfielders is Martin Ødegaard.
Last year, Ødegaard‘s two-year loan was cut short by Zidane, but he didn’t play as much as he expected. Consequently, he asked to be loaned out again in January, this time to Arsenal. However, he can finally have a solid foothold in the playing eleven now that the managerial position has changed. Given Ancelotti’s preference for having a no.10 in his team, which Ødegaard inherently is, this seems even more likely.
Listed below are several ways Odegaard could improve the team.
Depth
Having welcomed Ødegaard back from his loan spell, the midfield has again gained the depth it sorely lacked last season. There is a perfect balance of youth and experience in this position.
The team that won the UCL three-peat had a deep midfield that helped them finish off the season without too much physical exertion. Having no cover for Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric last season eventually proved very costly for the team, as the accumulated fatigue took a toll on the iconic trio.
However, the inclusion of Ødegaard in the lineup makes it five players worthy of starting, the other four being Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, and Valverde. As a result, the coach can avoid overworking certain players in undemanding matches and before crucial games.
Versatility
It is critical not to overlook Martin Ødegaard’s versatility. There are three positions in which the Norwegian can play, namely CAM, RM, and RW. In his time at the Emirates, he played mainly in the CAM role in a 4-2-3-1 and provided decent performances for an underwhelming Arsenal team. During his one year at Real Sociedad, he played at both CAM and RW.
Ødegaard can also play as a right midfielder in a 4-4-2 formation. James Rodriguez played a similar role during Ancelloti’s first stint as Real Madrid’s coach. James was outstanding in that position, and Ødegaard could replicate that performance since they have similar playing styles.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Ødegaard contributes defensively too. He presses well and covers the ground intelligently. Ødegaard’s ability to defend from the front can help the team win the ball in crucial positions.
Creativity
Creativity is one of Ødegaard’s most valuable qualities. He registered six assists and four goals during his spell with Real Sociedad, and two assists and two goals in his brief spell with the gunners, per WhoScored.
For the past 2-3 years, Real Madrid has struggled in the creativity department. Although Isco is there, he has declined rather quickly in recent years. Hazard is capable of being a creative spark but is often off the field due to injuries.
Ødegaard is exceptional at splitting defenses with his passing. It’s as if he can generate sensational passes from thin air. Real Madrid has predictable attacking patterns, something the opposition finds comfortable to handle. Ødegaard can come up with creative solutions at this point. The opposition is always on their toes when he has the ball, as he rarely uses easy passing options.
There is a lot to look forward to from Martin Ødegaard in the upcoming season. Hopefully, he will prove his worth and be the torchbearer for Real Madrid’s midfield for the next decade.