Martin Odegaard named in TIME magazine's list of 30 most influential teenagers

Martin Odegaard signed for Los Blancos in 2015

Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Martin Odegaard has been named in TIME magazine’s list of 30 most influential teenagers. The Norwegian international features alongside EUREKA chef Flynn McGarry, Chole Kim the youngest person to win a gold medal in the Winter X games and a host of other names. Son of actor Will Smith, Jaden Smith also features in the list alongside Malia Obama daughter of American President Barack Obama.

Odegaard made his debut for Stromsgodset Toppfotball on 13 April 2014, and holds the record of being the youngest player to feature in the Tippeligaen. He is also the youngest goalscorer of the Tippeligaen. After being a regular part of the team in his first season and training with several foreign clubs, Odegaard was signed by Real Madrid in January 2015.

The sixteen-year-old Norway international has made just one appearance for the Real Madrid senior side and was linked in the Spanish press with a loan move to Getafe in the summer, but has instead made eight appearances for Real Madrid Castilla this term.

On 23rd May, 2015 he appeared as a substitute at the hour mark for Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as fans were given a glimpse of the future and in the process, he became the youngest player to represent Los Blancos.

Reports of Loan Move

Reports have emerged that Odegaard is dissatisfied with the lack of first-team opportunities coming his way and wants to try his luck on loan at a more senior level.

Speaking about the matter to Sky Sports, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague said, "We have to be patient with him. He is still 16. Real Madrid want him to help the team as it is essential it is a competitive team that forces players to improve. "

"Real want him to stay and start improving himself, with no goals scored yet this season, but he would like to move on loan. Conversations should take place soon about it.”, said Balague when questioned if Los Blancos should entertain the youngster’s wishes.

However, Odegaard reiterated his desire to stay with Castilla back in August saying that he was in no hurry to sort his future at such a young age, and also admitting that Segunda B, where Zinedine Zidane's Castilla play, is a difficult league.

The midfielder told reporters, "I'm 16; I'm handling things as best I can and I have a long road ahead of me. I'm in no hurry and there's no reason for me to get stressed. Segunda B is a difficult division because there are lots of tough opponents and the pitches are often very bad."