International manager reveals what he ‘knew from the start’ about Arsenal star

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One Arsenal player has been singled out for praise over the October international break.

Mikel Arteta will be paying close attention to the Arsenal players on international duty over the October break. 

Though the Arsenal manager will primarily be hoping for the safe return of his squad as the Gunners prepare to return to a busy schedule, Arteta will also take note of any praise.

Christian Norgaard is the latest to have received a pat on the back from his international manager, despite only playing 26 minutes so far.

• READ MORE: Christian Norgaard says Arsenal teammates gave him a strange look after what he did recently

Christian Norgaard praised by Denmark manager Brian Riemer

It’s been a challenging start to the 2025/26 calendar for Norgaard, who had a brief lay-off due to injury shortly after the season commenced.

Fortunately, this hasn’t prevented Denmark manager Brian Riemer from handing the midfielder a call-up.

Out of Arsenal’s summer signings, Norgaard isn’t one who stands out for excitement reasons, but what the 31-year-old brings is something mostly seen behind the scenes.

Speaking to the media ahead of Denmark’s clash with Greece, Riemer celebrated the experience that Norgaard brings to his squad, as transcribed by TV 2.

“We have a group of players, including the one sitting next to me [Norgaard], who are natural-born leaders,” Riemer said, before sharing what he always knew about the Arsenal star.

“When I was appointed national coach, I knew from the start that Christian would be one of the most important people in this squad.

“He is a fantastic leader and a fantastic culture bearer. In a squad where we have brought in many new and young players, he is incredibly important to the project we have started.”

Though Arsenal’s capture of Norgaard goes under the radar, it’s clear to see what Arteta sees in him, with Riemer’s latest comments only reinforcing such. 

Norgaard facing Arsenal battle at international level

When praising Norgaard, Riemer said that sitting next to the former Brentford captain makes him ‘happy’, but is it enough to hand him a starting role?

Just like at Arsenal, Norgaard has taken up a position among the substitutes for his national team, falling behind Morten Hjulmand and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. 

There is now a rare opening for the Arsenal midfielder, however, as Hojbjerg has departed international duty due to suspension, something that is already on Norgaard’s mind.

In the pre-match press conference, Norgaard joked that merely sitting beside Riemer when facing the media was an indication that he could start against Greece.

“It’s a good start to sit here, I think,” Norgaard joked.

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Arsenal’s new signing will be desperate to make an impact when given the chance, both for his club and his country.