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Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has become one of the best players in the Eredivisie playing a key role for Vitesse in the on-going season

Martin Odengaad signed for Real Madrid when he was merely 15 years old and it was largely believed that he would become one among the world’s best. However, owing to various reasons, his time at Real Madrid Castilla didn’t pan out as expected. To add to the complications was the pressure that he faced in the form of unbelievably high demand in terms of growth, performance and consistency. Although Odegaard did make 62 appearances with the Castilla, he could manage only 1 appearance for the main team.

His fortunes turned ever since his arrival to the Eredivisie after his 18-month loan move to Heerenveen in the 2017 winter transfer window. The Norwegian wonder-kid became a regular starter for the Dutch club and there was no looking back since. On completion of his loan period with Heerenven, he joined Vitesse Arnhem last summer on a 1-year loan deal, for whom he has been a key player.

Undoubtedly, Odegaard has been on a purple patch this season with Vitesse and has arguably been one of the best players in the 2018-19 Eredivisie season so far. He’s yet another classy player with exquisite technique and possesses all necessary skills of a midfielder. Despite the fact that Odegaard has been primarily deployed on the right wing, he can still do justice when given midfield duties.

Moreover, dribbling, close control, passing, vision, playmaking and dead-ball scenarios are Odegaard’s strong suits and this would be a welcome signing for Ajax if the deal is to go through. He has the 3rd highest key passes per game in the Eredivisie. Odegaard has 5 goals and 6 assists this season, out of which 4 assists have come from dead-ball situations. Ajax have reportedly made an enquiry with Real Madrid about the possible signing and the fee is believed to be around £20 million.