MARTIN ODEGAARD hinted the Arsenal WhatsApp group has gone quiet ahead of Saturday’s showdown.
As he has done all season, Odegaard will lead his team in red out wearing the captain’s armband.
Martin Odegaard is loving this World Cup but goes up against familiar faces on Saturday Credit: Getty
Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze will join Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka in trying to knock Norway out Credit: Getty
But this time, his Gunners team-mates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke will not be following him.
Instead, they will be on the opposite side of the tunnel, vying to wreck Odegaard’s dream of two trophy lifts this summer.
On the prospect of going up against his English North London pals and a midfield battle with Rice, skipper , 27, said: “No, there’s not been too much banter on the group. I’m looking forward to seeing them all.
“I’ve spoken to a few of them a little bit during the tournament, but obviously we know the quality they have.
“I know them really well. Outstanding players, world-class players, playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment, so it’s going to be a big test for us.
“But I think Brazil was the same: we were the underdogs and as you saw, anything can happen in football.
“Dec has been outstanding. What he’s been doing for such a long time is just unbelievable.
“Playing with him, you can see all the qualities. It’s such a pleasure to share the pitch with him.
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“He’s someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team, always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy, driving the team forward.
“He can do so many things on the pitch: defend, attack, be physical, good on the ball. He’s a very complete player.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a massive test.”
Odegaard is one of nine members of Stale Solbakken’s squad currently playing their club football in , including strikers Erling Haaland and Jorgen Strand Larsen plus Fulham duo Oscar Bobb and Sander Berge.
And the manager heaped praise on his skipper’s influences and unpacked his roles for both club and country.
Speaking before training for the first time in , Solbakken, 58, said: “I don’t think it’s very different.
“Arsenal and Mikel Arteta use him in the same way as we do.
“He’s obviously one of the main men there as captain and he’s our leader, too.
Erling Haaland and Odegaard know their next opponents well Credit: AFP
Odegaard has already lifted one trophy this summer Credit: Getty
“Perhaps he has a little more of a free role in our team which comes with great experience.
“When he plays for Arsenal, there are other experienced players like Rice and Martin Zubimendi so they can share it a little bit.
“Obviously, we maybe put a little bit more on his shoulders but I think he enjoys that and I think he deserves it.
“ for a long time.
“He’s a great captain and was even when times were a little bit tougher.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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