Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been central to Norway’s surprise World Cup run, leading them past Senegal, Ivory Coast and Brazil to their first quarter-final since 1998.
While Erling Haaland’s seven goals grab headlines, Norway’s success has been built on Odegaard’s all-action leadership, according to The Athletic.
Coach Stale Solbakken called him “invaluable,” describing how he dictates Norway’s defensive shape and work rate depending on the game state.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted Odegaard’s deeper positioning made Brazil’s press harder to execute, while Vinicius Junior said Norway “surprised” Brazil by controlling the game rather than sitting back.
Odegaard, who made his senior debut at 15, has carried Norway’s World Cup hopes since childhood, becoming just the third player since 1966 to register three assists in his first three World Cup appearances.
He’s had little rest compared to England’s Arsenal contingent, going straight from the Champions League final into international duty.
Saturday’s quarter-final against England will pit him against club teammates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and others, a reunion Odegaard may relish given his fiery clashes with Brazil’s players following their exit.
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