In the summer of 2019, Odegard, who is not yet 21, set out on his third loan. This time it was Real Sociedad. There he proved that La Liga was ready.
“That season, especially in the LA Realm, was a turning point,” says Baragh.
Bascus wanted him to stay for another season, but Odegard was invited to Madrid by Zidane, where he began his first two games of Real before suffering from a calf injury.
“He was seen by many as part of the club’s future,” adds Baragh. “But he couldn’t break the midfield trio of Modric, Kroos and Casemiro once more.
“Zidane gave him sporadic minutes, often out of position. By then, Odegard had lost confidence – the rhythm and beliefs that stood out in the real Sociedad, seemed to have faded.
“He couldn’t help with the early fitness struggle. He obviously didn’t take his vest away. At that moment, potentially his real audition slipped his fingers.”
With just nine appearances in the first half of the season, the first team’s desire for football led him to another loan move this time to Arsenal.
That summer, after a productive spell in the UK, Odegard returned to Madrid, where Ancelotti was appointed manager.
Balague says there is never any guarantee or “clearness of continuity” as to how it was the “last straw” behind Odegaard, which will permanently leave the Spanish capital in August 2021.
“He had a candid conversation with Ancelotti,” explains Barag. “The Italians were honest. There’s going to be fierce competition. In Odegard’s mind, he meant not playing. He wanted to feel important. To make something.
“Maybe more importantly, there was a deeper cutting. He never stayed home in Madrid.”
Before Tuesday’s game, Ancelotti praised Odegard for having the “courage” to “be one of Europe’s best players” in search of new opportunities.
“I thought he was a real young player,” he added. “The talent he has now is the same as the talent he had at 17.”
Odegard, on the other hand, has never complained about his time in Madrid.
“I learned a lot about what it takes to get to the top,” he said.
He didn’t really find a home until he arrived at Arsenal. In North London, Odegard has finally settled down. He first saw him as a young kid on the Stroms God Set 16 years ago, but proudly tuned each week to see him play.
“Looking back, it’s hard to see him become Arsenal’s captain,” he explains.
“If you say that, I’ll ask if you’re drunk. But we all knew he was something special. He’s a great player and even better.”
