Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says he will not rush teenager Martin Odegaard into first-team action.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says he will not rush teenager Martin Odegaard into first-team action.
The 16-year-old midfielder, who has won three caps for Norway, joined the La Liga leaders in a £2.3m transfer from Stromsgodset earlier this week.
Despite training with the first team, he will start off playing for Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserves.
"It's difficult to think that Odegaard could play in the first team straight away," said Ancelotti.
"He's very young, we have to be patient with him, but we're all convinced he will be an important player for Real Madrid. With his qualities and his intelligence, he represents the future of this team."
Ancelotti has also said 24-year-old defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi will not leave the club during the January transfer window.
The Spain Under-23 international moved to Real Madrid in a £34m transfer from Real Sociedad in July 2013, but has only started three La Liga games this season and has been linked with a move to either Athletic Bilbao or Premier League side Arsenal.
"He hasn't played much recently but that does not alter the confidence we have in him and his importance to the dressing room and the team," added Ancelotti.
Real Madrid, one point ahead of Barcelona at the top of La Liga, will be without midfielder Isco (muscle fatigue) for their away game at Cordoba on Saturday (15:00 GMT) with Illarramendi or Sami Khedira set to replace him.
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