Had Norway qualified for the 2022 Qatar World Cup—they finished third in their qualification group, behind the Netherlands and Turkey—it would have been a great chance for football lovers to see two Norwegians, who have taken English football by storm, playing on the same side of the pitch.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal playmaker and captain Martin Odegaard have been phenomenal in their own ways for their teams. While Haaland, 22, seems to be on a goal-scoring spree – 45 goals this season so far – Odegaard, all of 24, has been as an integral part of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who are rebuilding themselves.
“This guy (Odegaard) is playing like Mozart at the moment. He looks like a reincarnation of Mesut Ozil at his best,” said former English defender and Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand. Odegaard dons the captain's armband for both his country and the club. Unlike most of the other skippers, he is not too vocal; he chooses to the lead by example.
Arteta's men press the opponents high up on field, cornering them like a pack of wolves. Odegaard leads this press, often on his own, spurring his teammates into action delivering Arteta's football philosophy to the world. He unlocks the grittiest of defences with a splitting pass. Odegaard has a low centre of gravity and is great on the ball, has quick feet and a brilliant vision. His fantastic ability to read the game enables him to create spaces for teammates to break down opposing defences.
Arsenal are now in the race for the Premier League title, along with Manchester City. From making his debut as a 16-year-old at Real Madrid, substituting Cristiano Ronaldo, to blossoming into an astute leader with a calm demeanour, Odegaard has come a long way.
Haaland, on the other hand, was making massive strides in the Bundesliga with RB Salzburg followed by Borussia Dortmund. Manchester City were the highest bidders, poached him from Dortmund in 2022 for a whopping sum of 60 million euros.
His seizable frame enables him to hold off defenders with ease and involve others around him. Add to it his speed and finishing abilities, and you have an absolute monster—the footballing equivalent of a cyborg!
Both the players have been representing Norway from the U-15 days. Their combined briliance was not enough to take their country to the World Cup in Qatar last year, but their clubs are vying for English football's biggest price. Arsenal are in pole position with 73 points, followed by City with 67. With eight games left for Arsenal and nine for City, it remains to be seen who will come out on top.
The two teams will face off on April 27, and it will be interesting to see the two Norwegian young superstars going up against each other. Whatever be the outcome of the match, and final League standing, Norway will be the winner.
