Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard found himself out of the World Cup last night thanks to England and Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham’s double sent the Scandinavian side packing but in the main, Odegaard can count himself a tad unlucky to be on the losing team.
Odegaard, though, can hold his head high and over the course of last night and the tournament in general, the Arsenal skipper has proven he belongs at the highest level.
Indeed, that’s what the Norwegian media seemed to think as well, as they raved about Odegaard’s performance in midfield.
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Norway’s media loved Martin Odegaard’s performance against England
Much like Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard is adored over in Norway.
He very much ran the game against England and but for Bellingham’s brilliance, he would have been on the winning side and the key cog in such a win.
Certainly, over in Norway, their local media outlets couldn’t speak highly enough of Odegaard.
“A superb performance from Norway’s captain, and completely in command toward the end of regular time despite the heartbreaking outcome. Once again, she gradually grew into the match and often came into her own after halftime. Excellent at playing passes through the lines from a deep position, and as usual she orchestrated both the pressing game and the Norwegian midfield. He covered more than 15 kilometers in total and still managed to be effective on the ball even after 120 minutes of play,” Nettevisen commented on Odegaard.
The praise continued as well, with another outlet also praising the Arsenal man.
“An important leader in midfield. A tone-setter in the press who helped win back possession during a period when Norway was struggling. Provided the assist for the 1–0 goal. Norway’s best player,” NRK wrote.
For us Arsenal fans, this was a performance from Odegaard that we’ve become accustomed to seeing.
Yes, his numbers over the course of last season in terms of goals and assists were not at the level many would expect. But in terms of pure impact and running a game, Odegaard excelled.
If this is the Odegaard we are going to see for Arsenal next season, then it’s an exciting time to be a Gunner again.
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