Erling Haaland hails Odegaard as ‘wonderful person and amazing footballer’

Erling Haaland is set to lead Norway as captain for the first time from the start of a match when they face Slovenia in a crucial Nations League fixture at Ullevaal on Thursday evening.

The 24-year-old Haaland will be wearing the armband for the first time from the outset, having previously deputised for Ødegaard during matches. However, this marks a significant moment in his international career as he steps into the leadership role from the beginning of the game.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Haaland discussed his approach to the captain’s role, underlining his intent to maintain his authentic self. “The way I am myself, the way I am when I’m not captain. I don’t think you should try to be anyone but yourself. That is what I will be and do,” Haaland said.
The Manchester City striker also expressed his admiration for Ødegaard, his fellow countryman and Arsenal captain, describing the absence of the midfielder as significant for the team. “We will notice that he is not here. He is first and foremost a wonderful person, and then an amazing footballer. But we have to do the best without him and try to deliver,” Haaland added

A rotated Arsenal runs circles around Luton!
The 24-year-old Haaland will be wearing the armband for the first time from the outset, having previously deputised for Ødegaard during matches. However, this marks a significant moment in his international career as he steps into the leadership role from the beginning of the game.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Haaland discussed his approach to the captain’s role, underlining his intent to maintain his authentic self. “The way I am myself, the way I am when I’m not captain. I don’t think you should try to be anyone but yourself. That is what I will be and do,” Haaland said.

The Manchester City striker also expressed his admiration for Ødegaard, his fellow countryman and Arsenal captain, describing the absence of the midfielder as significant for the team. “We will notice that he is not here. He is first and foremost a wonderful person, and then an amazing footballer. But we have to do the best without him and try to deliver,” Haaland added.

Solbakken does not give up on Ødegaard – Dagsavisen 25 September 2024
Solbakken does not give up on Ødegaard – Dagsavisen 25 September 2024
A few days earlier, Norway boss Stale Solbakken, provided a cautious update on Ødegaard’s injury, suggesting that the Arsenal captain is still far from making a return to competitive action.

Despite Ødegaard’s recent optimistic remarks in his programme notes, where he indicated he was making “good progress” and hoped it “won’t be much longer” before he is back, Solbakken seemed less convinced.

“There is great progress in relation to pain and injury, but he is a long way from playing matches,” Solbakken said in Tuesday’s print edition of Norwegian outlet Dagsavisen, adding that Ødegaard “is in Arsenal’s hands”.