Bayern Munich: Alvaro Odriozola learnt crucial lessons from loan spell
In the past few years, Bayern Munich has explored loan options when it comes to new transfers. The German Champions have been open to short-term options to address a position and wait for the long-term option to be available in the future.
In the 2020 winter transfer window, Die Roten needed a right-back to add depth to the squad. The German Champions managed to address the position in the short term by signing Alvaro Odriozola from Real Madrid on a six-month loan deal.
The loan move didn’t exactly work out for the Spaniard. Alvaro Odriozola wanted to leave Madrid for consistent playing time, but he also found opportunities limited in Bavaria. The Spaniard managed to make only five appearances for the German Champions during his six-month loan spell.
In terms of medals, it was a productive spell for Odriozola as Die Roten completed a treble during the second half of the 2019/20 campaign. Even though he was not satisfied by less playing time, Odriozola told AS (via SportBild) that his time in Bavaria helped in shaping him into a much better player.
"“I’ve learned a lot particularly defensive side of the game. It’s a new Odriozola.”“I learned a lot from my teammates. It was a very rewarding, unforgettable experience. I learned from Joshua Kimmich, with whom I have a great relationship, especially from his mentality. He’s a guy who lives football with an indescribable passion.”"
The Spaniard also had special praise for world class striker- Robert Lewandowski. Die Roten decided against signing Odriozola permanently at the end of his loan spell. Things didn’t go well for Odriozola after moving back to Real Madrid, as he made only 16 appearances throughout the season. The Spanish full-back went out on loan to Fiorentina in last summer’s transfer window.
Meanwhile, the right-back position remains some sort of conundrum at Die Roten. After parting ways with Odriozola in 2020, the club completed the signing of Bouna Sarr from Marseille. The French defender has struggled for form and game time during his 18 months in Bavaria.
Benjamin Pavard remains the first choice right-back in the squad. The French defender has been solid defensively but slightly conservative while going forward. He reportedly wants more playing time in central defense, so it is unlikely that he will be right-back for Rekordmeister in the long run.
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Josip Stanisic has shown great promise in the few opportunities he got this season under Julian Nagelsmann. Bayern remains in the market for a right-back as they look to fill the void in this position and add more quality. The German Champions wants to part ways with Sarr. The Frenchman’s departure will be key for the arrival of a new right-back. If Alvaro Odriozola has a good loan spell in Italy, he could become an intriguing option.