We saw it in the last few months of the Premier League season. Martin Ødegaard’s season was hampered by injuries and a lack of continuity in the world-class game the Arsenal captain has delivered since his move to the Premier League in 2021. The English media and “football experts” began a “Arsenal must change captain” and “Arsenal must sell Ødegaard” campaign. Now there are shouts that Martin Ødegaard will not deliver in the World Cup, and that Ståle Solbakken must consider benching Norway’s captain.
First to Arsenal. Mikel Arteta was crystal clear when he described the Norwegian’s crucial role for Arsenal on the training ground, in the dressing room and on the match ground. It is the continuity that has given Arsenal the foundation to win the Premier League and go all the way to the Champions League final, which is decided on penalties. Martin Ødegaard is an important part of this continuity since 2021. Clubs such as Manchester City and Liverpool have shown that there is a tribe of players and managers, who bring success more than in individual seasons. We therefore believe it will be completely foolish to sell Ødegaard this summer.
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Now to Norway and the World Cup. Martin Ødegaard has as captain been a key player and leader type in the race that ended with the historic World Cup qualification. After the 4-1 win against Iraq, Verdens Gang came out with their: “The World Cup Alarm goes off in the USA”, where Ødegaard’s performance was below expectations. The Norwegian captain himself stated dryly: “I feel good. I don’t know what you are so worried about.”
Nettavisen also worries: “Ødegaard raises concerns before the Senegal match”.
Ståle Solbakken does as Mikel Arteta does when asked about Martin Ødegaard’s role and importance to the team as captain: “He will start, I can promise you that.”
Various “experts” have been asked what was so weak about Ødegaard’s game, in what ended with a 4-1 victory in the first World Cup match, and now the sharply increasing likelihood that we will advance to the round of 16. The answers were often in the category “not bad, but we expect more from Ødegaard”.
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Okay, Ødegaard has more in store, but as the big football nations know, have experienced and take advantage of every single championship: The most important players to go far in a World Cup or European Championship must be on the pitch and build up their performances throughout the championship. It is therefore idiotic to send Ødegaard to the bench after the first game, because he “did not perform in world class, as we all expect”.
Fortunately, neither Mikel Arteta nor Ståle Solbakken are swayed by the couch experts’ criticism of captain Ødegaard.
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