Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard has been lauded for leading by example both on and off the pitch within the Norwegian national team. The 26-year-old, who carries the responsibility of captaining both his club and country, is aiming to guide Norway to their first World Cup since 1998.
After dishing out four assists in two games, Odegaard has played a pivotal role in setting Norway on course for a potential spot in the 2026 World Cup, with full points obtained thus far. His latest contributions come hot on the heels of scoring and assisting in Arsenal's last two Premier League fixtures, which shows his quality ahead of a significant clash with Italy on Friday that could be decisive for their qualification hopes.
A standout display would prove vital in propelling Norway to the forefront of Group I en route to the North American tournament, especially with a return match in Italy looming on the final day. Yet it's not just his performances with the ball at his feet that have earned Odegaard respect.
Named as Norway's captain at just 22, and shortly before receiving the same honour at Arsenal, Odegaard has grown 'enormously' into the role of a leader, as per teammate Kristian Thorstvedt. Highlighting his character, Thorstvedt told Norwegian outlet NRK about an off-the-pitch act of leadership when, after a game of cards at the team hotel, Odegaard took time to clean up debris left behind by others, reports the Mirror.
"When we were finished, everyone left their trash," said Thorstvedt. "Then Martin was left there cleaning up after the whole group.
"When I see that, I'm impressed. Well, it should go without saying, but it's just little things like that that make Martin a leader."
Odegaard recounted the event with a modest chuckle: "We were playing cards, and it didn't look so good afterwards, so we went to the trash can. I don't know if it's that extremely impressive, but it happened," he said.
It's not new for Odegaard to exhibit such commendable behaviour; the Norwegian star was seen cleaning up after his teammates following a rousing 4-2 win over Israel in March, where he contributed three assists. The footage shared by the Norwegian FA showed Odegaard picking up stuff around the dressing room.
Norway's manager Stale Solbakken said: "That's how you can sum him up. If you look at how he praised Torbjorn Heggem along the way, a player who played a big international match for the first time as a centre-back."
"That he got a pat on the back just for taking out an Israel player in the box... That's kind of how Martin is. That's why he's captain. He has grown enormously in that role now. The man we see today is not the man who was given the captain's armband three or four years ago."
Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb also praised Odegaard's people skills, saying: "He is incredibly good. And the way he brings people into the group, even though he plays for Arsenal, is captain there and such a big star.
"He is so good with people and really takes the young and new ones in in a good way. And it is a pleasure to play with him."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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