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via Imago

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In soccer, a dream five-a-side team is a common topic of conversation among fans and players. These hypothetical teams often feature significant names, and the choices reveal a lot about a player’s preferences and playing style. Lately, a former star of Real Madrid was prompted to select his dream 5-a-side squad. While he came up with a striking lineup, the player’s exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo caught the fans’ attention.

What makes this exclusion more intriguing is the inclusion of another former Real Madrid star, Eden Hazard. Let’s delve deeper into the dynamics behind the ex-Real Madrid star’s choices and his surprising Ronaldo snub.

Former Real Madrid star snubs Cristiano Ronaldo in his dream team

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Recently, Arsenal’s duo Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus sat down to answer some questions about soccer and their career. During the interview, they were asked to name their dream 5-a-side team, with the twist that they could not include any current Arsenal players. While the Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus chose his national team stars for the lineup, Odegaard surprised fans with his selection.

Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer and legend Cristiano Ronaldo found himself on the sidelines in Odegaard’s dream 5-a-side. The Norwegian opted for a lineup that featured the iconic Gianluigi Buffon guarding the net, the defensive prowess of Sergio Ramos, the playmaking finesse of Mesut Ozil & Eden Hazard, and the lethal finisher Erling Haaland.

The exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo surprised many fans. It was the inclusion of Hazard over Ronaldo that raised eyebrows. Martin Odegaard developed into a talented player through the youth ranks of Real Madrid. Given his firsthand experience of Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary status at the club, it was astonishing to not find him featured in Odegaard’s dream team.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo Tells Al Nassr Teammates to Win Every Trophy After Loss to Al Hilal – “Last Loss is Only 3 Points”

Ronaldo helped Odegaard settle in Real Madrid

Despite not including Ronaldo in his dream team, Odegaard holds the Portuguese star in high regard, acknowledging his positive impact on his early days at Real Madrid. The Norwegian, who was 16 at that time, lauded Ronaldo and other English-speaking players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos for their support.

All I’m thinking is about how these guys will treat me when I walk into their dressing room. This little kid who didn’t speak any Spanish,” Odegaard recalled. He continued, “But they were all very kind, and the ones who spoke English – Kroos, Modric, Ronaldo – took extra care of me in the beginning. They gave me advice and helped me a lot.”

Ultimately, Odegaard’s dream five-a-side reflects his personal preference. While some may disagree with the exclusion of Ronaldo, it is crucial to recognize that football is a subjective sport, and different players value distinct qualities in their teammates.

WATCH THIS STORY: Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Scored Four Goals in a Game

 

 

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