Martin Odegaard is right about being low in the pecking order, but his interpretation is wrong

Real Madrid attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard has waited six years for his opportunity to be a first-team player with Los Blancos. Whether it was Heerenveen, Vitesse, Real Sociedad, or Arsenal, Odegaard played in a variety of different settings in preparation for his big chance in Madrid, which was supposed to happen last season.

But a combination of incredible performances from Luka Modric and Odegaard’s lingering knee issues from his sensational spell at La Real prevented the Norwegian from being a factor in the first half of the 2020-2021 season. Annoyed and upset, presumably, Odegaard asked for a loan move and went to Arsenal. He played reasonably well, but it was impossible for him to truly sparkle in a lethargic side managed by one of the Premier League’s most-criticized coaches.

Yet Odegaard could be headed back to North London on a permanent basis, as there are constant reports of unrest. MadridistaReal recently tweeted an update that Martin Odegaard is “increasingly determined” to leave Los Blancos in the summer 2021 transfer window.

MARCA’s Jose Felix Diaz has closer ties to the club than any other reporter, and he offered more details regarding Martin Odegaard. Per “JFD”, Odegaard “doesn’t feel good” about where he stands in the Real Madrid midfield. He believes he is behind four men on the roster – the old guard trio of starters and fellow impressive young midfielder Fede Valverde.

Martin Odegaard is correct that Real Madrid have players ahead of him

And Odegaard would be correct in this assertion. All four of those players are ahead of Odegaard in the lineup, and they 100 percent should be. In the past two seasons, these four men have played at the highest level in the biggest games. They have been more consistent than Odegaard, and three of them are serial winners who are more accomplished than just about every other midfielder on this planet.

Odegaard needs to understand this reality. He needs to understand that nothing is given at Real Madrid. This club is the pinnacle of footballing success, especially in midfield. Whereas getting into the lineup as a winger is plausible, starting every game in the midfield would take a Herculean effort from a young player. Even Valverde cannot start every game, but you do not see him complaining or asking about leaving.

At the end of the day, players prioritize different things. Odegaard may prioritize playing every match over competing against the best of the best at Real Madrid. He may even have doubts, anxiety, or lack confidence. These are normal feelings for a footballer, especially a young footballer at Real Madrid.

But Odegaard has the wrong outlook if he thinks his situation is bad or if he sells himself short. Real Madrid have stuck by him for so many years, because they do believe in him. They want him to succeed and know he has that something extra to provide them world-class playmaking. Real do not want to sell or give up on him, but they do not hold players hostage.

It is incumbent upon Odegaard to remember how many years he has played to get to the point where he has a shot at making it at Real Madrid, which is an opportunity many players never get. And that includes players with resumes more extensive than Odegaard’s, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski.

Odegaard is right that he is behind others at the club. However, his interpretation that it is time to go or time to worry about his future is incorrect. The facts in front of him should be motivators for Odegaard to do what he has done at every other stop in his fledgling career. Succeed in the face of pressure and expectation.