Martin Odegaard outshines Erling Haaland in Norway’s goalless draw | OneFootball

In a frustrating 0-0 draw against Kazakhstan, Martin Odegaard delivered a masterclass performance, overshadowing Erling Haaland and every other player on the field.

The Arsenal captain received a FotMob rating of 8.6, miles ahead of Haaland’s 6.8 and everybody else who took to the pitch.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Odegaard, who played the full 90 minutes, made 63 accurate passes (89%), created four chances, and controlled the game from midfield with 106 touches and 41 passes in the final third.

His defensive work, winning 14 duels, and offensive creativity were crucial to Norway’s performance, though the team lacked finishing, highlighted by Haaland’s struggles to find the back of the net despite four shots.

Haaland, who has been in red-hot form for Manchester City, failed to score, missing one big chance and registering just 18 touches throughout the match.

Kazakhstan v Norway player ratings via Fotmob

His lack of impact was reflected in his FotMob rating of 6.8, as Kazakhstan’s resilient defence, including their goalkeeper Shatskiy (rated 8.1 and the only other player to receive 8 or above from both sides), kept Norway at bay.

After the match, Norway manager Stale Solbakken expressed frustration with the lack of finishing, despite controlling the game.

He said, “We created four big chances, but with such great dominance we should create three or four more big ones.

“If Erling had taken his chance, it would have been a decent away game.”

Next up for Norway is a game against Austria, at home, on Monday.