Louis van Gaal lauds Arsenal star Martin Odegaard
Louis van Gaal has told VG in Norway that Martin Odegaard is a fantastic passer after his Netherlands side came up against the Arsenal star on Wednesday.
Group G is finely poised after the opening four games. There is one point separating the top four sides, with three on seven points.
That comes after the Netherlands came from behind to earn a point against Norway in Oslo.
It was Erling Haaland who broke the deadlock with a deft finish during the first-half. But Davy Klaassen scored the equaliser nine minutes before the break.
Of course, Haaland is the standout name for Norway. But obviously, there were also a couple of Premier League players on show.
Mohamed Elyounoussi started. And Odegaard captained the side.
The Arsenal man perhaps did not have the best night. But that did not stop van Gaal praising the 22-year-old in his post-match press conference.
“They have a fantastic striker, Haaland,” he told VG. “And they have a fantastic passer, Ødegaard. It is very difficult to defend against Haaland with so much room. But only twice did Haaland get free.”
Odegaard needs to hit ground running upon return to Arsenal after van Gaal praise
It has not been the easiest time for Odegaard. He returned to Arsenal having been unable to force his way into the fold with Real Madrid.
And obviously, Mikel Arteta’s men have struggled in the opening weeks of the campaign.
A second move for Odegaard seemed to divide some fans. It came at a time when Arsenal were being heavily linked with James Maddison.
And it seems some have their doubts regarding whether Odegaard is capable of being that game-changer Arsenal need.
So it seems imperative that he hits the ground running upon his return to the side after the international break.
