Martin Odegaard had a great season with Real Sociedad, a team with which he has managed to get into European competitions. In this report we analyze the individual fundamentals that Odegaard handles best, and that have allowed him to stand out during the last League.

FUNDAMENTALS THAT ØDEGAARD ACOMPLISHES

Block: Anticipation of sequences  

Fundamental: Anticipation of rebounds in shots on goal

Although his goalscoring figure has not been outstanding this season (6 goals in 31 games), we can find a peculiarity in the actions that have led to these goals.

Thus, Ødegaard enjoys the ability to anticipate possible rebounds from the goalkeeper, especially when his teammates strike on goal. In this way, he manages to react before his closest defenders to opt for a very interesting finishing option (often with the goalkeeper badly saving the shot).

This fundamental will be very interesting for players who are close to their rival’s goal when a shot from one of their teammates occurs.

Block: Offer support

Fundamental: Emergency support

On the other hand, Martin Ødegaard is found on numerous occasions in relation to the players of the defensive line, mainly to provide solutions at the start of the buildup play.

It is for this reason that we can identify in his game an excellent ability to give a passing option to the possessor, when he is under pressure and without a clear passing line. In addition, Ødegaard manages, most of the time, to get the ball out of the pressure zone quickly and accurately.

A key fundamental for every midfielder involved in the start of the game in a team that practices a game characterized by short associative passing style.

Block: Finish in the finishing zone

Fundamental: Finish in the finishing zone

In reference to actions with the ball, we believe that one of Ødegaard’s outstanding virtues is his excellent shot from medium and close range.

Undoubtedly, not only his technical ability to make excellent shots should be highlighted, but also his excellent decision-making, very often seeking to enter an area from where it allows him to hit a shot on target. This fundamental will be especially interesting for any player who has the ability to finish actions by shooting from different positions.

Block : Offer support

Fundamental: Guaranteeing the construction of the game by dropping towards the midfield line

Finally, we want to highlight one of the situations that occurs the most in Ødegaard’s game in his current team, Real Sociedad. Thus, one of his functions within the offensive phase of his team is to guarantee the proper construction of the game. In other words, slightly delay his position, to participate in areas commonly occupied by previous positioned players (usually pivots), in order to achieve more fluidity within the construction of the game.

The fundamental in question will be extremely important in all those teams that seek a role of a playmaker in one of their players located in the attacking midfielder’s line.

SUMMARY OF THE ANALYSIS

• Fundamental of: Anticipation of rejections in shots at goal Ability to foresee possible second options against shots on goal by other teammates.
• Fundamental of: Emergency support. Ability to offer a solution to the ball possessor who is under heavy pressure.
• Fundamental of: Finishing off in the finishing area Ability to prioritize finishes in areas close to the rival goal.
• Fundamental of: Guaranteeing the construction of the game by dropping towards the midfield line Ability to go down to the pivot line to guarantee an optimal construction of the game.