Written By: Robin Van Paassen
Edited By: Irtaza Khan
When the term "Norwegian superstar" comes to mind in 2021, almost all of us will instantly think of the goal-scoring machine Erling Håland. However, in the year 2015, it was a different prodigy from the Norwegian team Strømsgodset. In 2015, Martin Ødegaard surfaced to the world as the "New Messi" from Norway. At just the age of 16, Ødegaard transferred from his domestic club to the prestigious Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid's second team. A team that would give him time to flourish, as it has to the extensive development and success of players such as Lucas Vasquez, Alvaro Morata, Nacho, and Marcos Llorente. Presumably, with the precedence set by these success stories, Ødegaard's fairy tale story would unwind in the same way, right?
As for Ødegaard and many other teenage talents, this was not reality. To play at the top level in Europe is one thing. Maintaining and excelling on your previous accomplishments is another feat to overcome. Despite an unfruitful early career shackled to Real Madrid, Ødegaard has set sights on cementing a name for himself at football's highest level.
Merely 22 years old, Ødegaard has played over half a decade of professional football. Beginning in his home city Drammen, Norway, through the ages of 14 and 15, Ødegaard journeyed his way through the youth ranks of Strømsgodset to stardom in Norway's prestigious Elitesieren league. A natural left-footed attacking midfielder, Ødegaard effortlessly created space and dropped players to set up teammates. Flourishing in his first season as the competition's youngest-ever player, bagging five goals and six assists in just 23 games captured the attention of Europe's biggest teams with the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City, and United. An astounding 0.37 assists per 90 minutes placed Ødegaard third in the league amongst assist conversion. A feat of a goal plus assist ratio of 0.68 per 90 minutes played gave Ødegaard a 4.4 million dollar market valuation at just 15 years old. After a single season in the Eliteserien, Real Madrid's 3.04 million dollar fee and perks, including the ability to train with star players such as Ronaldo, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, and numerous other talents, shipped Ødegaard to Spain.
The whole world stood still for a moment, at least all of Norway. A young teenager that had just assisted Strømsgodset securing fourth place at Norway's highest level in his first season now on his way to play for Real Madrid Castilla. With promise, Ødegaard would soon play in the first team. However, developing and adapting to change in atmosphere proved difficult for the young prodigy. Ødegaard only managed a goal and an assist in 720 minutes of play over 11 games. Handed his first start for the first team on the last day of the campaign, Ødegaard would need adequate improvement to compete for a competitive first-team spot. The following season gave Ødegaard crucial playing time, handed almost a start every single match for Real Madrid Castilla. Attempting to find his natural role, Ødegaard shifted between right-wing and attacking midfield. Sparking creativity, Ødegaard provided seven assists one goal as RM Castilla proceeded to the second tier La Liga 2. Despite playing 2726 minutes over 38 games in 2015/2016, Ødegaard saw no first-team action. A foreshadow of what was to come, struggling to find a spot in the team that gave him that bona fide opportunity.
Despite a mesmerizing three goals at the start of the 2016/2017 campaign, after 13 matches, Real Madrid signed Ødegaard to the first team to only send him off on loan a day later to the Dutch Eredivisie. A fresh breath of air, to continue to develop his skills at only 17 years old.
A loan to SC Heerenveen became the next obstacle for the determined Ødegaard. Expected underwhelming performance in the 16 matches played, Ødegaard netted a mere goal and three assists. The following loan season saw a dampening result, converting two goals and two assists over 26 fixtures across all competitions. However, fruitful progression in shots on target per 90 minutes went from 0.26 to 1.17 throughout a season. Alongside this, tackles per game went from 0.9 to 1.5, whereas dribbles per game went from 1.2 to 2.8 per game. Goals and assists do not tell the full tale of Ødegaard. The synergy he provides on the pitch is unquantifiable.
In his second loan spell, Ødegaard hit the ground running. Loaned out to Vitesse for a season as Real Madrid passed upon his services, Ødegaard excelled, tallying an impressive 11 goals and 12 assists over 39 games in all competitions. Succeeding at his predominant role as a right-winger, Ødegaard averaged 2.4 shots on goal per 90, cutting inside and unleashing rockets at ease. Throughout the season, Ødegaard received a staggering ten man of the match awards, as he finished sixth in assists, comfortably filling the gap that Chelsea loanee Mason Mount had left. The technical qualities in inch-perfect passes and Messi-esque ability to dribble past defenders that exposed him to the world were glistering through once again. Displaying a 74% conversion of 2.9 dribbles per game and the ability to create space on and off the ball, including an outstanding 3.5 key passes per game, Ødegaard was ready for the next stage in his career. Increasing his market value to 16.5 million dollars, Real Madrid brought him back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid had other plans in mind as Real Sociedad snapped the talent up on a two-year loan deal worth 2.2 million dollars. Passing up on the chance to give the in-form Ødegaard a starting position came costly at Real Madrid's expense. Finding his footing as a starting attacking midfielder, Ødegaard proved his worth in the weight of gold. A versatile role allowed Ødegaard to create opportunities down the stretch, effortlessly finishing sixth with 116 shot-creating actions. A vicious 73 passes into the penalty area was third amongst all of La Liga players. Over 39 matches, Ødegaard recorded seven goals and nine assists, including another 60 key passes -ninth amongst the league. The lethal attacking midfielder endeavored to play with excellent ball control providing a prolific 273 progressive carries and 89 carries into the final third, the fourth-most in the league. Ødegaard throughout a single season solidified why he caught the attention of Real Madrid and other major clubs all those years ago. Ødegaard's market valuation of 16.5 million skyrocketing to 49.5 million over a single season was enough to catch the eye of Real Madrid.
After half of the two-year loan spell, Ødegaard transferred back to Real Madrid. At last, Ødegaard received the game time once promised. Unfortunately, as the good news struck, the disaster followed suit. A string of injuries resulted in only nine games and 367 total minutes. A lack of faith in Ødegaard caused frustration. The club that caught the youngster's potential early on has ultimately failed to give the needed time to prove himself. Real Madrid continues to have a leash on Ødegaard's future until 2023, preventing a permanent move to another club.
In January, Ødegaard demanded out and received a season loan transfer to the Premier League side Arsenal. Sitting at mid-table, Arsenal will receive the creativity in midfield that it desperately needs. Still only 22 years old, Ødegaard has yet to reach his prime. A few more loans will defiantly shape Ødegaard to be an all-round technical and precise attacking midfielder and a keen signing for any European powerhouse. With Real Madrid out of the future picture, the Norwegian surely will leave the club as soon as his contract expires. Unused potential sums up the journey of Ødegaard thus far. Hopefully, the future writes a different tale.
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