Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard has been slammed after his performance in Sunday's friendly defeat at Rangers.
The Norway international started the game as Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Ibrox.
AS's outspoken editor Tomas Roncero, reviewing the loss, rapped: "Odegaard is the eternal promise. Surrounded by homegrown players, he should have said 'here I am'.
"What is there to do? Like at Arsenal, do they all play for him? Martin, you are in Madrid. Wake up, macho."
Indeed, Roncero insists Odegaard should've performed better and shown a greater presence. The Norway captain, insists Roncero, was outshone by his less experienced teammates promoted from Raul's Castilla squad.
He continued: "The academy, the best. Very good. Good (Victor) Chust, (Sergio) Arribas and Miguel (Gutierrez). All with a very good attitude. There is a wonderful academy. But the academy is there to help not to be the basis of the project. When they are in the remaining 16, we'll see. But what worries me the most is the attitude of (Luka) Jovic and Odegaard. Hopefully those who return, especially (Gareth) Bale, do not go along that line. If not, let's get along."
Odegaard has returned to Real Madrid after spending the second-half of last season on-loan with Arsenal. With the Gunners, Odegaard made 20 appearances, scoring twice and producing two assists. The 22 year-old midfielder has a contract to 2023.
Despite taking a very early lead through Rodrygo, Real Madrid were outplayed and second half goals from Fashion Sakala and Cedric Itten saw the home side take the victory.
While this was just Real Madrid's third match of the summer, after behind-closed-doors workouts against Fuenlabrada and Rayo Vallecano, it'll be a worry for coach Carlo Ancelotti that Rangers dominated his side from start to finish.
- updated July 27
