Martin Odegaard's Reported Cristiano Ronaldo Obsession Stunts Real Madrid Growth

Martin Odegaard "can't be bothered" with his Real Madrid Castilla colleagues and is "only interested in being alongside Cristiano Ronaldo," according to Frederic Hermel of AS.

In a damning article that lists the reasons Odegaard has been benched in Los Blancos' youth lineup, Hermel details Odegaard's inability to integrate with Zinedine Zidane's Castilla squad. The 16-year-old has allegedly "refused to train with the reserves and only joins in with training sessions on the eve of the team’s games."

Upon his arrival, B/R UK tweeted an image of Odegaard with Sergio Ramos and Ronaldo:

Hermel reports the player and his father have been called into three meetings to discuss why working with Castilla is key to his development. However, the Odegaard duo allegedly continues to point toward a term in the teenager's contract that suggests he must work alongside the senior squad at least five days per week.

According to Hermel, some Castilla players "have complained" about his lack of motivation and obvious draw toward Ronaldo. Although "no one doubts his technical ability," these reported attitude problems could impact the Norwegian international's long-term stay at the club.

However, Guillem Balague of Bleacher Report passed along what he was hearing in regards to Odegaard's issues at Real Madrid:

Ben Bloom of The Telegraph believes Madrid have "made it almost impossible for him to be deemed a success" by paying Odegaard up to £80,000 per week. This is undoubtedly an extortionate amount for a player who has never set foot in one of Europe's top leagues, but with many other elite clubs hunting his signature, Madrid perhaps felt it was necessary.

Three months down the line, Odegaard has scored one goal in seven appearances for Castilla, per Transfermarkt. However, a run of four consecutive defeats saw him dropped. Zidane's youngsters have won two on the bounce since then. Hermel suggests Odegaard continues to make the "wrong choice" when in possession, forcing his team-mates to look elsewhere when moving forward.

However, B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Jonathan Johnson recently outlined Odegaard as one of the sport's most exciting youngsters:

At the beginning of March, reports circulated that Odegaard would make his Champions League debut for the senior team. Expectations are sky-high due to flashes of individual brilliance while playing for Stromsgodset, but any potential top-class player needs to work alongside his peers to reach the highest level.

It is way too early for Carlo Ancelotti to slot him into the first team, at least while there is plenty to play for this season. Odegaard should avoid wanting too much too soon. Hermel reports frustrations are beginning to show around the club without results on the pitch necessarily backing up Odegaard's cause.

The spotlight will continue to intensely monitor his progress at the Bernabeu. Although Odegaard's contract dictates otherwise, it may be wise for him to accept time in the Castilla setup. He is surrounded by a selection of talented teens who aren't followed by the same hype but are willing to work extremely hard for their breaks.

In the end, only one attitude wins.