Former Real Madrid and current Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso recently weighed in on his former club’s signing of 16-year-old Norweigen starlet Martin Odegaard, stressing that the player needs as much playing time as possible in order to develop and reach his full potential.

In a recent interview, Xabi spoke at an event with 200 Bayern Munich fans in Langenpreising about Odegaard’s signing and his advice on what should happen next.

“He’s gone to a great club.  At this age, playing should be the priority, it’s really difficult in the big clubs among those that can be chosen.  At 18, I decided to take a step back and sign for a club in the Segunda, but it was there that I got minutes and evolved as a player.  It’s a step that I’d advise all young players to take.”

Xabi then spoke about the club’s ambitions and how he’s settling in to life in Bavaria.

“We aren’t putting limits on ourselves.  We home we can with the treble again, like they did with Heynckes two years ago.  I have a lot of confidence in this team, they are very focused on their goals.

“The quality of life in Bavaria is great.  We’re very comfortable, my family and I were welcomed wonderfully.”