Real Madrid crashed out of the Copa del Rey this week and one player, Martin Odegaard, delivered an emphatic performance.
Odegaard, on loan at Real Sociedad, was the brilliant architect of his parent club’s downfall, opening the scoring at the Bernabeu before dictating play throughout the clash, ending Madrid’s 21-game unbeaten run.
It was a coming-of-age performance for the Norwegian, who continues to prove why there was so much hype surrounding him when he first signed for Madrid in 2015.
Since he moved to the Bernabeu, Odegaard has spent time on loan at three separate clubs: Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad. For the latter, Odegaard has finally started to deliver on his promise.
At the end of December, City fans were stunned as Real Sociedad announced they had reached an agreement with the Manchester club over the loan of Odegaard.
It quickly transpired the announcement was on Spain's equivalent of April Fool's Day and the MEN also understands that City are not interested in signing the youngster.
However, as the inquest begins into this season’s failure to keep up with Liverpool and Pep Guardiola starts to reevaluate his squad and options, it may be worth reconsidering where Odegaard is concerned.
Still only 21 years old, he has youth on his side and the midfielder has scored six goals and registered eight assists this campaign.
Although Odegaard has yet to consistently deliver outstanding performances, his ability and potential are both clear to see.
Still a diamond in the rough, Odegaard could elevate his game to the next level at City and signing him could eventually prove to be a masterstroke.
