Odegaard and Hakimi Reunite for Champions League Final

The Champions League final in Budapest will reunite Martin Odegaard of Arsenal and Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain, who played together at Real Madrid Castilla a decade ago. Luismi Quezada, who shared the field with both players, reminisces about their early years and their exceptional talent. "Even though most of us were two or three years older, Odegaard and Achraf always stood out," Quezada told MARCA.

Odegaard and Hakimi played under Santiago Hernán Solari during the 2016-17 season in the Segunda División B, contributing to a mixed record of four wins, four draws, and one loss. Their synergy was evident in a match against Socuéllamos, where Hakimi assisted Odegaard for a goal. Odegaard left Castilla for Heerenveen that winter, but his skill and potential were undeniable.

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Quezada recalls Hakimi's transition from a forward to a defender as a strategic move that paid off. "He always had incredible speed," Quezada said, expressing his wish to see Hakimi back at Real Madrid. On the other hand, Odegaard's arrival at Madrid for €2.8 million was marked by intense media attention. Despite challenges like language barriers and the defensive playstyle of Segunda B, Odegaard's training performances were impressive.

Reflecting on their journeys, Quezada acknowledges the rapid rise of both players. Hakimi quickly joined Real Madrid's first team, participating in the 2018 final against Liverpool, while Odegaard has become a leader at Arsenal. "It was hard to imagine back then that they'd play in a Champions League final," Quezada admits, adding his hope for Arsenal's victory in Budapest, given Hakimi's previous success with PSG.

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