Rosenborg views Alexander Ødegaard as a potential running midfielder. Against Steinkjer, for RBK 2nd team, he played half the game in this new position.

The million Euro man from Sogndal currently experience a hard struggle for a place among the starting 11. Daniel Braaten, Thorstein Helstad, Øyvind Storflor and Harald Brattbakk all have played more than he during the past few games.

Due to this, RBK considers the same option that was done 15 years ago: to withdraw one of the wingmen down to the midfield. At that stage, Roar Strand was the chosen one. Now, Alexander Ødegaard is appointed, and on Monday he played as running midfielder during the first half in the league opening for RBK 2nd team against Steinkjer.

"We want to see wether he can fit as running midfielder. We need an alternative for that spot on the A team," Per Joar Hansen says to local Trondheim newspaper Adresseavisa.

The westerner did well in the for him unusual position.

"I have never played as running midfielder before, and didn't know exactly where to run. But I play where the coach want me to," Alex says.

In spite of the fact that RBK 2nd team used many juniors with little routine, due to gatherings for the A and U19 international teams, they fared well against Steinkjer. In the end, it was a 6-4-victory. Christer Basma scored one, Øyvind Storflor two - and Ødegaard did as well do a hat trick. The first two goals from Alex came before half time, as a midfielder.

"He proved that he knows the way to the net, and definitely receives a good grade for this match," Perry comments.