Martin Odegaard starred for Norway during the international break, producing a hat-trick of assists as his side beat Israel 4-2 in their World Cup qualifying clash
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been hailed as “one of the world’s best footballers” after starring in Norway’s latest World Cup qualifying victory. Odegaard provided a hat-trick of assists as Norway beat Israel 4-2 on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old set up David Moller Wolfe, Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland, while Kristoffer Ajer also got on the scoresheet. Mohammed Abu Fani and Dor Turgeman found the back of the net for Israel.
Norway have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, having also thrashed Moldova 5-0 on Saturday.
And Arsenal fans will be delighted to see their captain at his creative best with a hugely important Champions League quarter-final clash against Odegaard’s former club Real Madrid on the horizon.
Arsenal have never lifted the trophy, but would be in with a strong chance if they can get past the defending champions. Odegaard will need to be at his best if Arsenal are to emerge victorious and Gunners fans will be delighted with the praise he has received after Norway’s win over Israel.
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“He is fantastic,” Atletico Madrid striker Sorloth told Norwegian outlet VG. “Three assists speak for themselves and he is fantastic to play with on the right side.”
Benfica star Andreas Schjelderup added: “He is one of the world’s best footballers. The way he moves and plays football, you just have to enjoy it.”
Odegaard is not the only Arsenal player who impressed on international duty, with Myles Lewis-Skelly becoming the youngest player to score on their England debut as the Three Lions beat Albania 2-0 in their opening World Cup qualifier.
Ethan Nwaneri also scored for the England under-21s in their 4-2 win over Portugal, while Mikel Merino found the back of the net after coming off the bench as Spain beat the Netherlands on penalties in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash.
Merino has been used as a makeshift striker by Mikel Arteta after both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were sidelined with serious injuries and the 28-year-old has netted four goals in seven games while playing upfront for Arsenal.
William Saliba featured in both legs as France beat Croatia on penalties in their Nations League quarter-final, while fellow defender Gabriel played in Brazil’s 2-1 win over Colombia but was suspended for their 4-1 defeat to Argentina.
Riccardo Calafiori, meanwhile, played the full 90 minutes as Italy lost the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final against Germany and the defender ended up missing the second leg after picking
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