Odriozola faces fight to matter again under Matarazzo at Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Álvaro Odriozola faces a reset at Real Sociedad under Pellegrino Matarazzo after a cruciate ligament rupture halted his revival last season.

According to AS, he was close to leaving last summer, ranked fourth choice at right-back behind Jon Aramburu, Hamari Traoré and academy full-back Iñaki Rupérez. Serie A options were discussed but no deal satisfied all parties, so he stayed.

Under Sergio Francisco his minutes were minimal. He played one league match at Montjuïc against Barcelona, scoring, and made two Copa del Rey appearances. He later described the strain of injuries and inactivity, saying that game felt like a release.

Matarazzo’s arrival changed the picture. Odriozola then put together four league outings and three in the cup, performing well and regaining prominence, before tearing his cruciate in mid February against Oviedo. Surgery followed, ending his season.

He is contracted until 2029 and must convince Matarazzo again. He will not start the league campaign, with a gradual reintroduction planned to regain match sharpness.

Competition awaits from Aramburu and Rupérez, who also returns after a season-long lay-off. The club could yet look to the market to strengthen the role.

Odriozola now needs rhythm and confidence to prove he can be a useful option in a demanding year with four competitions ahead.

Source: AS