The World Cup is showing a side to Martin Ødegaard that Arsenal fans forgot existed

With just 51 days until Arsenal's Premier League opener against Coventry City, yes really, plenty of players continue to be busy at the World Cup. Piero Hincapié, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres are all heading home, after round of 32 exits, but plenty more will remain in America for a while longer.

One of these is Martin Ødegaard, after Norway beat Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 on Tuesday, setting up a glamour last 16 tie with Brazil in New Jersey on Sunday. The Lions captain has registered an assist during all three of Norway's victories so far this summer, passing the ball to Antonio Nusa who curled home the opener in Texas. Before that, Ødegaard's corner was headed home by Leo Østigård against Iraq, before he played in inch-perfect through-ball for Erling Braut Håland to score during the win over Senegal.

Thus, according to Opta, Ødegaard is just the third man to register an assist during each of his first three World Cup appearances, since such records began in 1966.

Players with an assist in their first three World Cup matches

Both Igor Belanov and Michael Ballack both achieved this feat during group stages but, after Ødegaard, and pretty much everyone else, were rested by Ståle Solbakken for Norway's final group game, he has made a telling contribution to start the knockout stages. He is also just the second Arsenal player to score or assist in three successive World Cup matches, a feat only previously achieved by Dennis Bergkamp in '98, as noted by Tom Ede.

This form is surely great news for Arsenal fans and Mikel Arteta alike. Ødegaard has endured consecutive injury hit campaigns at club level, and his output has deteriorated as a result. The midfielder scored just one goal all season, this a long-range strike against Brighton just after Christmas. He did accumulate eight assists, but this was a decline on the 12 he managed across the previous two seasons.

On top of this, Ødegaard is seemingly just enjoying life at this World Cup. Following Norway's wins over Senegal and now Côte d'Ivoire, he has been on the pitch banging the drum, orchestrating the famous "Viking Row" that supporters have been doing all across America this summer, with players and coaching staff joining in on the pitch to celebrate these victories.

Ødegaard's personality and leadership has been questioned by Arsenal observers, but he is certainly showing both in abundance while representing his country. Despite the fact his statistics have undeniably not been up to standards, it is inarguable that Arsenal play better with Ødegaard in the side, so seeing him rediscover some of his former magic can only be great news.

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