Norway manager explains reason for ‘terribly tame’ Martin Odegaard performance

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Martin Odegaard played for Norway in their win against Wales (Credits: via REUTERS) Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard was accused of delivering a ‘terribly tame’ performance for…

Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard was accused of delivering a ‘terribly tame’ performance for Norway in their Nations League win over Wales.

The Gunners’ captian completed 90 minutes as Stale Solbakken’s side ran out comfortable 3-1 winners courtesy of goals from Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup and Erling Haaland.

Odegaard, however, appeared far from his usual energetic self and his lack of spark was noted by former Norway international Kjetil Rekdal.

‘I think he was terribly tame today,’ Rekdal told TV 2. ‘He looked tired and didn’t have the movement he usually has.

Solbakken, however, explained that his inspirational playmaker overcame an illness that caused Odegaard to endure a sleepless night prior to the match.

‘We have had a captain who has been lying around all night and spitting, and who was allowed to take some other liberties than he was supposed to,’ he said.

‘If you lie down all night and throw up, that’s it. All credit to him for going the distance. We had a conversation during the break that he should just drive from the start and let us know when the tank was empty.’

Odegaard’s commitment to the cause was praised by several of his teammates, including David Moller Wolfe.

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