3 reasons why Alvaro Odriozola is a smart signing for Real Madrid

#1 Odriozola has the experience of playing under Lopetegui

The Spain World Cup squad

Real Madrid have formed a young core of talented Spanish players at the club over the past few seasons. This suits Lopetegui perfectly because of his work with the Spanish national youth teams as well as the senior side. Therefore, he knows the players well as individuals and is used to helping develop young prospects.

Working for the national side is actually harder than domestic sides in terms of bringing the best out of players. The limited amount of time actually spent on the training pitch poses big challenges in transmitting tactical ideas and building up an understanding between the players. Having a full pre-season to implement his ideas will benefit the team and Lopetegui substantially.

Moving to such a big club can be hard for young players due to the constant scrutiny they receive as well as the high standards required in every match. Having a familiar figure as manager will certainly help Odriozola adjust and gives him a higher chance of succeeding because of the patience from Lopetegui.

Odriozola wasn't heavily involved in the national team set-up until recently, but he did receive his call-up to the senior side as well as his debut from his new manager.

Other players such as Isco and Marco Asensio have strong relationships with Lopetegui, so this will certainly help in the build-up to the new season. Odriozola's relationship with the other Spanish players will also help him settle into his new surroundings.