Martin Odegaard’s name could well be heard a lot more frequently this summer as Real Madrid reportedly plot to sell their wonderkid.
Rumours of his demise, though, are far from the mark as he thrills crowds on loan in the Netherlands.
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Martin Odegaard in action against Ajax barging past David Neres.
He’s not been hitting the headlines outside of the Eredivisie as Ajax claim the plaudits they rightfully deserves but it’s been handy to shelter the Norwegian.
Odegaard faced the Dutch giants last night with Vitesse Arnhem and while he was on the end of a 4-2 defeat, he showcased why he could still be one of the most talked about players of the summer in the transfer market.
It wasn’t his best match of the season, but the nimble Norwegian was still pulling the strings for Vitesse at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
One moment laying off simple passes to Matus Bero before taking out four Ajax players with a ball to Navarone Foor, then picking up his lay-off, twisting out of a challenge and rolling the ball across to Mohammed Dauda.
Happy to be involved in physical moments when harried by opponents, he’s now showing why there was such a battle for his signature four years ago.
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He skipped over tackles, and showcased his skills with a number of stepovers and swivel-hipped dribbles.
The Norwegian was even thwacked by soon-to-be Barcelona ace Frenkie De Jong late in the first half with the Dutchman sold down the river by an exquisite touch from Odegaard.
But this summer their trajectories are almost completely opposite. De Jong has sealed his switch to Spain, worth £65million, and seems set to be a key player, almost from the off.
Odegaard, meanwhile, just a year younger is to be dispensed of by manager Zinedine Zidane with Ajax already in talks over a £17million deal.
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Odegaard celebrates with a Vitesse Arnhem team-mate.
After bursting onto the scene with Stromgodset and Norway, aged just 15, Real Madrid beat off competition from most of Europe to sign the teen talent.
He trained with both the first-team and the Castilla side, playing for the latter from 2014 onwards until his first loan move away to Heerenveen in 2016 – one year after his Los Blancos senior debut against Getafe.
Odegaard has remained level-headed – still only 20 – and had previously been looking forward to a return to the Spanish capital after this campaign with Vitesse – usual known for their collection of Chelsea loan stars.
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Odegaard replaces Cristiano Ronaldo for his only senior appearance with Real Madrid’s first-team.
He’s learnt plenty from his early foray into superstardom at the Bernabeu and the tutelage of Zidane, even if at times it was a touch overawing.
In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad he cooed: “It was great to be coached by Zidane but sometimes it wasn’t good for your self-confidence – when he showed us how we should do certain things in training… what a technique!â€
He still, though, insists his move was the right decision. Back in February, he said: “I could have gone to many clubs but Real Madrid was a dream come true. It’s the biggest club in the world – and for me, it was the best choice as well.â€
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In happy times on international duty, where he has won 16 caps for Norway.
Now, unleashed in the Eredivisie, with two and half seasons of senior football under his belt and some impressive performances, he’s set to be sold by Real Madrid, cashing in quickly on his form.
Odegaard, with add-ons, was due to cost around £7million, so the £17million represents a decent profit – even if it does look like keeping him on the books could be rewarded, especially as they get ready to overhaul their squad.
He still offers the glorious attributes which shone so brightly in Norway but it appears someone else will get to see them come to full fruition.
For the player, Ajax seems a wise choice, especially as the Amsterdam outfit brace themselves for the imminent transfer bids for the key men, including Matthijs De Ligt and attacking midfield maestro Hakim Ziyech.
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Odegaard spent a season-and-a-half on loan at Heerenveen.
Prior to his match against them, Odegaard thrilled the Netherlands with a virtuoso display for Vitesse – down to 10-men after Alexander Buttner’s red card 27 minutes in – against PEC Zwolle.
He completed 10 of the astonishing 18 dribbles he attempted, made six key passes, three tackles, and three interceptions, in an all-round display which also see he end the match with four assists – all from corners – while he could have had more from open play.
It was scintillating watching him play with such exuberance despite their disadvantage.
Most teams would sit back but Odegaard, and his team-mates, had no intentions of doing so, tearing their opponents to shreds.
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Odegaard has been nurtured in the Netherlands.
If Real Madrid are truly interested in selling the talent, any number of Premier League sides should be interested given his recent showings, West Ham and Liverpool have been linked previously.
Of course, the usual caveats apply with Dutch football, however, given Ajax’s European jaunts this season it’s fair to say the quality is improving and is now one of the best breeding grounds of young talent in Europe.
The aforementioned De Jong and De Ligt are rare talents, while team-mates Donny van de Beek and David Neres have also excelled. Over at Willem II, Borussia Dortmund loanee Alexander Isak has 12 goals and four assists in just 13 appearances, PSV Eindhoven sensation Steven Bergwijn has 13 goals and 12 assists, while Donyell Malen and Angelino, are also starring at the Philips Stadion.
Odegaard may now be the focal point of the transfer tittle-tattle but it’s for good reason as he comes to the fore. He’s still a talent and one we may be seeing a lot more of from next season onwards, whether he stays at Real Madrid or not.
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