Future Stars Spotlight: Martin Odegaard Thriving At Real Sociedad As Return To Real Madrid Looms
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Gregory Caltabanis
3 Yrs Ago
When Martin Ødegaard made the switch to Real Madrid in 2015, expectations in the nation's capital were at an all-time high. Having broke through his hometown club's first team at the age of 15, Ødegaard quickly developed a reputation as one of football's wonder kids. After all, the Norwegian international made the game look easy with the ball at his feet.
Despite his talent, Ødegaard initially struggled to adapt to his new surroundings and shortly after his arrival, doubts emerged. Determined to deliver on his promise, Ødegaard spent the next few seasons on loan away from the club and has since established himself as one of La Liga's premiere playmakers with Real Sociedad. In fact, only Lionel Messi has created more chances than the 21-year-old in league play this season.
His loan at Real Sociedad may run for another year, but recent reports suggest Real Madrid have every intention of bringing him back as early as next season. Ødegaard is thriving with La Real, propelling the club to an all-Basque Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, with three goals and three assists in five cup games.
Operating in the hole behind Willian José, Ødegaard is tasked with much of his side's playmaking duties, but the Norwegian was not always a number 10. When he first broke through Strømsgodset's youth academy as an unknown teen, his coaches deployed him at left back. Going up against players three years his senior, they hoped Ødegaard would grow stronger defending against physical forwards.
At the age of 15, Ødegaard made the leap to Strømsgodset's first team, becoming the youngest player to debut in the Tippeligaen. In his first season, the teenage sensation fired his side to the first round of Europa League qualifiers, netting five goals and seven assists. During the offseason, Ødegaard visited many of Europe's elite clubs and trained with Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City.
After spending just a season with Strømsgodset, Real Madrid pounced and secured the midfielder for three million euros. Ødegaard initially trained with the first team, but largely featured for Real Madrid's Castilla under Zinedine Zidane. Faced with a language barrier, Ødegaard failed to make an impact and was quickly loaned out to Heerenveen for the 2016-2017 season.
The midfielder spent 18 months on loan with the Dutch outfit, scoring two goals in 21 appearances, prompting much criticism. The following season, however, changed everything.  Ødegaard joined Vitesse and immediately hit the ground running, emerging as one of the Eredivisie's elite talents. The 21-year-old's creativity was on display, finishing with 12 assists on the season.
Real Madrid later recalled Ødegaard and agreed to a two-year loan deal with Real Sociedad, allowing the playmaker to gain crucial La Liga experience. With La Real, Ødegaard has taken his game to the next level, demonstrating he's ready to return to Los Blancos. In his 23 appearances for the club, the Norwegian international has emerged as a creative force and is central to Imanol Alguacil's setup.
When play resumes, Ødegaard's main focus will be on guiding his side to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. With Real Madrid pushing hard for a return, Ødegaard will have plenty to consider at the end of the season. If his career is anything to go by, the 21-year-old won't back down from the challenge and will be eager for a reunion with Zinedine Zidane.
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