If he were to feature against Schalke, Martin Ødegaard would become the youngest player in the history of the Champions League. A debate is raging over the possible pros and cons of such an early initiation.

Ever since Ødegaard was unveiled at the Bernabéu on 22nd January, both Carlo Ancelotti and the club's marketing gurus have had 10th March - the date of the second leg of the round-of-16 tie - circled in red in their diaries.

Even a cameo appearance against the Germans would be enough for the Norwegian starlet to wrest the crown of the youngest debutant in Europe's premier club competition from Celestine Babayaro. While the Nigerian was 16 years and 87 days old when he made his bow, Ødegaard could do so when a whole three days younger.

Were this to happen, the media impact across the planet would be massive. White shirts bearing the number 21 and the teenager's surname would fly off the shelves at an even faster rate than they are now. What's more, it would be a small coup for Real Madrid to hold such a record in a competition the club has become synonymous with and which put 'Los Blancos' on the world map. It is a unique opportunity… and it is now or never.

On the other hand, some believe that it is too early to blood the youngster in the Champions League and that doing so can only unsettle a kid who has only recently turned 16 and has barely had time to get his feet under the table.

One thing is for sure, however: on the evidence of the dozen or so first-team training sessions Ødegaard has taken part in alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas and co, the Norwegian has the technical ability to hold his own at the highest level.