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.

Haaland will be taking over captaincy duties in the absence of Arsenal‘s Martin Ødegaard, who remains sidelined with the ankle injury sustained in their international clash against Austria last month.

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 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”.

Solbakken further emphasised the uncertainty around Ødegaard’s return: “I don’t think anyone knows that, and I don’t think he knows it himself either.”

Ødegaard sustained the serious ankle injury during the UEFA Nations League match against Austria on September 9, 2024.

The 25-year-old has since missed key fixtures for Arsenal, including Champions League matches against Atalanta and PSG, as well as Premier League games against Spurs, Manchester City, Leicester City, and Southampton, and a League Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers.

Despite his optimism, Solbakken’s remarks suggest that Ødegaard could still be sidelined for some time.

Haaland, who stands on the brink of Norwegian football history, is just one goal away from equalling Jørgen Juve‘s longstanding record of 33 goals for the national team—a record that has remained unchallenged for over 90 years.

When asked about the potential milestone, Haaland was typically composed: “It will be nice to beat it once. I remember most of my goals quite well, and there are a couple of nice ones.”

Kick-off at Ullevaal is scheduled for 19:45 on Thursday, and Haaland will be eager to make his mark—both as captain and as a goalscorer—in what is an important fixture for Norway.