Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, at 22, handed Norwegian captaincy

A stellar 24 hours for Martin Odegaard has moved up another notch on Friday, following confirmation that the Arsenal man, on loan from Real Madrid, has been named as Norway’s new captain.

Stunning first goal

Midfield creator Odegaard of course made the move to north London during the January transfer window, after struggling for game-time in the Spanish capital over the opening half of the campaign.

The 22-year-old has since, for the most part, gone on to enjoy a solid if unspectacular stint with Arsenal, acting as a reliable link between midfield and attack.

Last night, though, saw Odegaard truly announce himself onto the grand stage in the colours of the Gunners. Mikel Arteta’s men made the trip to Greece on Thursday, for a Europa League Last-16 clash with Olympiacos.

Arsenal eventually emerged on the right side of a 3-1 scoreline, to put one foot in the competition’s quarter-finals.

And it was their on-loan midfield talent who opened the scoring at the Karaiskakis Stadium, breaking a tense atmosphere by means of a rasping drive from 25 yards:

Martin Odegaard, THAT is spectacular! 😱🔥

What a way to get his debut Arsenal goal… 🚀 pic.twitter.com/OnX6exkHvp

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 11, 2021

Not a bad way to net your first Arsenal goal…

‘Captain for many years’

And, as outlined above, the positive news has since continued to flow for Real Madrid’s flourishing starlet.

Norway national team boss Ståle Solbakken held a press conference this afternoon, ahead of a trio of World Cup qualifying fixtures for the Lions later this month.

During the presser, Solbakken was inevitably drawn on the captaincy situation in his squad, after previous skipper Stefan Johansen announced his retirement from international football at the age of just 30 earlier this week.

A new captain, in turn, required naming, with the Norway boss having gone on to confirm that he has entrusted none other than Odegaard with the role moving forward:

‘Martin has had a long life at the highest international level and has shown the ability to be a team player on and off the field. He is a strong and beloved boy. I think he can be a good captain for many years.’

Martin Odegaard has been named the new captain of Norway 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/46jPlCvEcZ

— Goal (@goal) March 12, 2021

Arsenal-linked Patson Daka allowed to leave Salzburg in summer

Sven Mislintat admits to leaving Arsenal because of Edu’s appointment at the club

Source: 101greatgoals.com