Real Madrid kicked off their Solari-era with an unconvincing win at home against Real Valladolid.
The visitors produced more clear-cut chances and even hit the frame of the goal on two occasions. Madrid required a deflected goal and a Ramos penalty, both in the closing moments of the game to save their blushes.
Alvaro Odriozola occupied the right-back spot and here, we analyse his display.
STATISTICS
Shots: 0
Tackles: 1
Assists: 0
Passes (accuracy): 36 (91%)
Fouls: 3
Crosses: 6
Dispossessed: 1
30-SECOND REPORT
With Dani Carvajal side-lined due to injury and Nacho Fernandez filling in at the centre-back position for an injured Raphael Varane, Odriozola was assigned the defending duties on the right. The Spaniard showed promise while at Real Sociedad and displayed glimpses of his attacking prowess against Valladolid.
Madrid were second best against the newly-promoted Valladolid for most parts of the game. Most of the chances for the visitors came on Odriozola’s flank and the cleansheet does not reflect the Spaniard’s performance.
GOT RIGHT
Movement in attack – Odriozola’s swift movement on the wing was similar to that of Marcelo’s until he entered the attacking third. The Spaniard made the overlaps like the injured Marcelo would but preferred providing a wide option over cutting inside and looking for options. The 23-year-old was constantly making intelligent runs on the right but always failed to catch the eyes of Luka Modric or Toni Kroos who put on lack-lustre performances.
Dribbling – Odriozola was very confident going forward and didn’t hesitate taking on multiple players at a time. In the 27th minute the Spaniard eased past three defenders and almost got a decisive cross in before it was cleared out for a corner.
Alvaro Odriozola
GOT WRONG
Positioning in defence – For all his attacking flair, Odriozola failed to impress at the job he was picked for. The Spaniard was leaving pockets of space for Toni Villa and Enes Unal to exploit. In fact, two of Valladolid’s best chances came from the right with Odriozola neglecting his defensive duties. In the 58th minute, the Spaniard allowed Villa to breach Madrid’s defence and the move eventually ended with Alcaraz’s shot zooming past Courtois, only to smack the crossbar.
Retaining possession – Although the defender was confident racing ahead with the ball at his feet, he looked uneasy when Valladolid pressed on him and even gave the ball away carelessly when there were better options. This is one area where Odriozola must improve so as to gel into Real Madrid’s style of play.
VERDICT
Promising in attack, but vulnerable in defence. This sums up Odriozola’s performance against Real Valladolid perfectly. The 22-year-old did deliver some promising crosses, one of which should have been buried by Karim Benzema. However, the youngster needs to work on his positioning if he has to avoid coming off as a defensive burden to Sergio Ramos and Varane. Average performance from him, with shades of promise.
6/10