Martin Odegaard produces Norway masterclass ahead of Arsenal return

Overall, the March international break was pretty productive from an Arsenal perspective, and supporters should take great encouragement from Martin Odegaard's Tuesday night masterclass.

Having played a pivotal role in the Gunners' rise under Mikel Arteta, Odegaard, who became captain in 2022, has endured a pretty rough 2024/25 season. He was hindered by an ankle injury sustained on international duty, which saw him miss the autumn, and he has struggled to build any familiar momentum since his return.

After recording 22 and 18 Premier League goal contributions in the previous two campaings, Odegaard's recorded just six with a quarter of the season remaining. It's been a down year, there's no denying that, and given the critical stage we're at in Arteta's project, some have started to call for the skipper's head with a budding Ethan Nwaneri waiting in the wings.

While Arteta surely won't be giving up on his captain this summer no matter how the season concludes, Odegaard could do with a dazzling finale to regain the support of the Nwaneri faction. His recent performance for Norway depicted the magic he's capable of producing.

Martin Odegaard steals the show in Norway's significant triumph over Israel in World Cup qualifying

Norway are aiming to secure a long-awaited return to the World Cup, with the tournament's expansion to 48 teams offering the Scandi nation hope. Many would argue that this is their most talented generation of players, perhaps ever, with the likes of Odegaard and Erling Haaland, along with budding stars Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb, well worthy of performing on the sport's grandest stage.

Qualifying began at the weekend with a convincing 5-0 win over Moldova before they travelled to Hungary on Tuesday night to face, on paper, they're likely competitors for a play-off spot, Israel. While Italy are the favourites to win Group I, Norway and Israel are projected to battle it out for second.

And at this early juncture, Odegaard's side took a significant step towards the World Cup by winning 4-2 away from home. With Italy's campaign yet to get underway, Norway are the early frontrunners with a 100% record.

Odegaard wasn't on the scoresheet, but he ended the contest with three assists amid a sparkling display. These are the contests which suit the captain, with Norway enjoying much of the territory which allowed the playmaker to wreak havoc in intricate zones around the Israeli box.

His first assist was a decisive pass from the right half-space into the feet of the surging David Moller Wolfe, who finished well. Odegaard then set up Kristoffer Ajer with a pinpoint inswinging corner before helping the visitors wrap up their rout with a cute pass in behind for Erling Haaland to score.

Odegaard ended his night with a whopping eight key passes, per SofaScore, a 92% pass completion, and 102 touches. This was a metronomic playmaking display of the highest order, and such performances are required from the skipper if Norway are to compete with the Azzurri for top spot in their qualifying group.

There are so many differences between club and international football, but Odegaard's performance on Tuesday was a manifestation of the sport in its purest iteration. He's the sort of player you pay to watch in that sort of mood.

Let's hope it ignites a productive finale.

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