Madrid don't need Odriozola

Interest reawakened

If there's anything remotely positive to come out of Dani Carvajal's unexpected heart infection, it's that it has become apparent that a gaping hole has not been left in the right-back position. Real Madrid's' interest in Álvaro Odriozola is nothing new and has been simmering away and come to the boil at different points. Given that Carvajal's condition could leave him sidelined for a number of months, the Basque defender's impressive performances in recent weeks and against Albania has only reawakened this latent interest. 

The present and future

Another issue is whether the addition of the Real Sociedad defender to the Madrid squad is truly necessary. I don't think it is. Carvajal is 25 and Achraf will soon turn 19 - the present and future of the club. Another issue is whether those at the top at Madrid belief Achraf is ready. Zidane seems to think so: "While Dani is not available, Achraf can play. I have no qualms about playing him," he said after Madrid's 2-0 win over Espanyol. Moreover, no one needs to explain the importance of the club to the young Moroccan; he's been aware of that since the age of eight. 

Food for thought

Odriozola's buyout clause stands at 40 million euros and La Real would dig in their heels should negotiations begin; Iñigo Martínez and Barcelona can testify to that. Signing a lavish cheque for a player brought in simply as back-up for Carvajal, or putting faith in a young player who didn't cost a penny and who continues to show immense promise and his potential worth to Madrid is a no-brainer, and is something that must be thought through at the Bernabéu.