Unfortunately for Martin Odegaard, it seems that Zinedine Zidane does not share Roberto Lopez Ufarte’s admiration for the seldom-seen Real Madrid play-maker.
Then again, Los Blancos’ embattled boss has always had a bit of a strange relationship with the most exciting young talents at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Zidane binned off Sergio Reguilon, Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Borja Mayoral last summer.
The human express train Theo Hernandez, meanwhile, has helped fire AC Milan to top spot in Serie A after being flogged by Real, while Marcos Llorente is blossoming into one of Europe’s most promising midfielders on the other side of Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Much to the frustration of many behind the scenes (ESPN), Zidane appears to be once again ignoring the next generation in favour of his tried-and-trusted foot-soldiers.
The prodigiously gifted Odegaard has been relegated to the bench, alongside Vinicius Jr and last season’s breakthrough star Fede Valverde.
Given that he returned to Real Madrid after a glorious loan spell at Sociedad, hoping to finally showcase the exceptional talent that encouraged the Spanish giants to take a chance on a 16-year-old wonder-kid, you can see why Odegaard is frustrated.
According to Sky Sports, the Norway international is demanding another temporary exit with Arsenal interested.
A penny for Ufarte’s thoughts, then.
Odegaard dazzled at the Anoeta last season. So much so that the La Real legend had no qualms about comparing this left-footed wizard to another of San Sebastian’s favourite sons.
“Yes, he isn’t too far off Xabi Alonso,” Ufarte told Noticias de Gipuzkoa, believing Odegaard’s supreme technical skills are reminiscent of that of the ex-Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Spain star.
“He has almost all of the tools to play in midfield. We won’t just speak about his technique, which is exquisite, and he knows the exact moment when he has to do something and when to pass the ball.”
Arsenal came within £3 million of signing Alonso before he swapped Liverpool for a trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid (Liverpool Echo). Ten years on, could the Gunners land his heir apparent instead?
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