“Takes a Lot of Attention” – Overshadowed by Erling Haaland, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard Thanks 23YO Norway Teammate for Being the Centerpiece

Published 09/21/2023, 8:03 AM EDT

It’s no secret that Erling Haaland is the center of attention in most of the games he plays. Haaland who has been as lethal as Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Terminator films, has been explosive & decisive in his performances for club and country. Now, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard seems to concur with that. The Arsenal captain was in action for the Gunners in the Champions League last night. But when it comes to being covered in Norwegian media, and other media outlets in general, Odegaard was happy that Haaland remained the more popular soccer star in the news.

Arsenal played PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League last night and the Gunners romped to a huge 4-0 victory on the night. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Odegaard gave the London club their first win in this season’s Champions League and Gunners captain Odegaard completed the rout in the 76th minute.

Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard on Norway teammate Erling Haaland being the bigger star

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Odegaard was pivotal to Arsenal’s opening Champions League game and he was quick to let his feelings known. Speaking after Arsenal’s win over PSV, Odegaard spoke to Norwegian media about the match and Erling Haaland. According to a report in Norwegian media outlet Dagbladet, Odegaard said, “It was nice to be back. It means a lot to the fans and the club. It tasted good. Playing in the Champions League is a dream I’ve had all my life.”

When the Arsenal playmaker was asked about his position in the national team, Odegaard said, “In that sense, it’s nice for me that Erling is there, who takes a lot of attention and writing. I might have to send him a little thank you for that.”

Haaland completed a remarkable debut season for Man City in 2022/23. The Norwegian forward scored 52 goals in 53 games setting City on their way to winning the iconic treble last season becoming a vital cog in Pep Guardiola’s attack.

Locking Horns With Lionel Messi for Ballon d’Or, Erling Haaland Makes 13-Year Tainted Record

Haaland slightly off-color in Manchester City’s win over Red Star Belgrade

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For Erling Haaland and Manchester City this season, the defense of their Champions League crown started in rather patchy fashion against Red Star Belgrade. Red Star’s Osman Bukari opened the scoring for the Serbian club in the 45th minute, which saw City trailing in the game. However, City did make a comeback shortly after half-time and eventually beat Red Star 3-1 in the end.

Haaland, however, missed several chances in the game. The City frontman hit the crossbar with a header in the 24th minute. But he did provide a sublime assist for Julian Alvarez’s equalizer in the 46th minute. The City striker also missed a sitter in the 56th minute which was saved by Red Star keeper Omri Glazer. Alvarez got another and Rodri wrapped up the game in the 76th minute with a smart finish into the bottom corner. But, it was a game where Haaland only managed one assist.

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The expectations on Haaland are enormous, but to his credit, despite not scoring he did manage to bag an assist. Nevertheless, City are favorites to top their group and qualify for the knockouts after the group stage fixtures finish by December.

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With extensive knowledge & over 8+ years of experience as a soccer journalist, Gaurav knows the intricacies of the beautiful game inside out and is now working with EssentiallySports. He played as a No.10 on the pitch during his younger years, modeling his game around his idol Zinedine Zidane.

Edited by:

Sreeda U M

“Takes a Lot of Attention” – Overshadowed by Erling Haaland, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard Thanks 23YO Norway Teammate for Being the Centerpiece

Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard on Norway teammate Erling Haaland being the bigger star

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Haaland slightly off-color in Manchester City’s win over Red Star Belgrade