Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard played the full 90 minutes during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal on the road on Sunday night.
The 27-year-old has been in brilliant form for club and country. He made his fourth straight start in the Nations League campaign against Jorge Jesus’ side.
Odegaard provided the assist for the opening goal from a free-kick. Kristoffer Ajer scored a sublime goal from the edge of the box in the 36th minute.
Joao Cancelo repeated the same on the opposite end just two minutes later. Goncalo Ramos eventually secured the victory for the hosts in the 79th minute.
Despite a third straight loss in the competition, the Norwegian media appreciated Odegaard’s showing. Dagbladet gave him a 6/10 rating, which was the highest alongside Ajer.
The publication talked about Odegaard’s free-kick that led to the goal and acknowledged that he ‘showed plenty’ of intent despite playing through a gruelling schedule.
They wrote: “Won the excellent free-kick that led to Ajer’s opening goal. Showed plenty of intent, but even the captain is showing signs of a gruelling fixture schedule.”
Meanwhile, Norsk rikskringkasting (NRK) wrote that Odegaard was not as dominant on the ball, they added: “Not as dominant as we are used to seeing him. Does a lot of good with the ball, but is a bit more sloppy in simple passes.”
Odegaard completed 92 percent of his passes against the Nations League holders. He also won 100 percent of his ground duels while creating three chances for his teammates.
The Gunners playmaker was not at his usual best yesterday, but that was more than justifiable, given he has started four matches for his national side in the space of just 11 days.
Odegaard will be returning to London at the earliest opportunity. He should be handed a well-earned rest for the next two or three days before reporting for team training at the club.
Arsenal have a huge Premier League home game against Leeds United on Saturday. They need to make amends after the humbling 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion last month.
The Gunners have already been handed a double injury setback before the encounter. Manager Mikel Arteta looks poised to make a couple of attacking changes against Daniel Farke’s side.
Stats from Sofascore.com