Norway’s media have been full of praise for Martin Odegaard after a captain’s display for his nation in World Cup qualification action.
The playmaker has struggled for form at times for Arsenal this season, following what has been a bit of a difficult season.
There was something of a slow start to the campaign early on as Odegaard picked up an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for months.
Upon his return, there was an uptick in form for Mikel Arteta’s side, but further injuries only saw the Gunners slip further away in their Premier League title challenge.
There is still one opportunity for silverware with the Champions League still up for grabs, where Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
It’s a huge double-header, where the side will be hopeful that Odegaard can be back at his very best for – which he has been so far during the international break.
Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Norway ran out as 5-0 winners in their opening World Cup qualification clash for the 2026 tournament, beating Moldova away from home.
Martin Odegaard was pulling the strings for most of the game, picking up an assist along with five key passes.
The captain had a 91% passing accuracy along with a 100% accuracy on his longer passing, really helping to mix it up for the side.
As a result, the Norwegian outlet Dagbladet gave the Arsenal star an 8/10 rating for the match with plenty of praise.
The report read: “What a game! He was devastating with ball control, passes and corners. What he did was sometimes sick.”
It may just be the type of form that Arsenal need just in time for a big couple of weeks for Odegaard just around the corner.
Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesMartin Odegaard could be key to Real Madrid clash for Arsenal
If there’s one thing Arsenal could do with, it’s their key players being back on the pitch and with a bit of momentum.
There have been some boosts as Gabriel Martinelli returned from injury recently, while Bukayo Saka is stepping up his recovery.
That will bolster the forward line considerably for the upcoming test of Real Madrid in early April.
Then there’s some form needed for Martin Odegaard, with the captain struggling to step up on occasion.
Whether it’s more goals for himself or creating just something different for his teammates, the playmaker needs to rediscover his best form.
There’s some extra motivation there as well, given that Odegaard returns to Real Madrid for the first time since leaving permanently.
It’s an opportunity to show exactly what they miss while firing his side on.