Martin Odegaard likely to debut for Real Madrid Castilla

Norway international Martin Odegaard will not be making his debut for Real Madrid Castilla this weekend. Coach Zinedine Zidane has not named the 16-year-old prodigy in his squad for the local derby against Fuenlabrada at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano. Officials at the Spanish club feel it is too soon for the new-signee to play with the reserves and have pointed towards Castilla’s February 1st match against Trival Vanderas Alcorcon as his likely debut match.

Odegaard was unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Thursday afternoon and expressed that he felt the Spanish club was the best option for his career development.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti discussed the signing of the Norwegian wonderkid during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“We wanted Martin to come to Madrid dearly,” Ancelotti said. “He is a very skillful player and we believe he will have a great future with us.”

“We are very happy he has taken the decision to sign for Real Madrid. He will train with us and play for Castilla.”

Madrid beat the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City for the signature of the Norway international. Numerous European clubs rolled out the red carpet and gave the teenager the star treatment in an effort to persuade him to join their side.

But Odegaard was blown away by his experience with the reigning Club World Cup and European champions, and strongly swayed to join Madrid after bonding with former France international and club legend Zinedine Zidane.

It is Zidane who will be left responsible for the development of one of the world’s biggest footballing prospects.