Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard has shared his verdict on compatriot Erling Haaland.

Arsenal star Martin Odegaard is currently on international duty with Norway, where he is joined by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

Whilst the pair may well be friends and get along well as teammates in the national team, at club level they are fierce rivals. Heading into this international break, Odegaard will have held the bragging rights given the Gunners beat the reigning Premier League champions 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium last time out.

Both Odegaard and Haaland are key figures at their respective clubs. Certainly, if the Gunners are to mount a successful challenge this time around, Mikel Arteta will know that keeping Odegaard fit and in form is vital.

The 24-year-old has certainly started the season well. The 53-cap Norway international has racked up four goals and one assist across all competitions for the north London club so far. The £30 million former Real Madrid man is a talismanic figure for the Gunners and is the heartbeat of the team.

Arsenal currently find themselves sitting second in the Premier League table, two points ahead of Manchester City, and only behind their bitter local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference. 

Haaland still a lingering threat

Odegaard and Arteta will still be expecting Manchester City to come on strong and be a dominant force for much of the campaign. Haaland will be central to their success. The 6’4” 23-year-old scored an astonishing 52 goals in all competitions last season and has already notched eight so far this term.

The fact that Arsenal were able to keep him quiet throughout their recent Premier League clash was a major achievement in and of itself.

Odegaard knows as well as anyone what a devastating force his countryman can be. As quoted by France24, Odegaard said, “it’s true that Haaland is the best in the world.”

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