Martin Odegaard names Arsenal teammate as his ‘best friend’ in football despite previously calling Erling Haaland ‘good friend’

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has labeled Kai Havertz as his best friend, in an interview with TNT Sports (via Arsenal Insider). This would have come as a surprise answer for some fans who expected Odegaard to pick Haaland instead.

The Norwegian midfielder had previously labeled his compatriot as a 'good friend' and a 'great guy' in an interview with Stadium Astro back in 2022.

However, in a recent interview with TNT, the Norwegian was asked about his best friend in football. He responded:

"I’ll probably say Kai [Havertz]."

Odegaard teamed up with Havertz after the latter moved from Chelsea to north London in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £65 million. The Arsenal captain has since then teamed up with the German attacker in 49 games, with the duo combining for three goals so far.

In comparison, Odegaard has assisted Haaland in four goals in 33 national team games for Norway.

The Gunners captain recently returned from an injury prior to the international break to play against Chelsea. He has since then recorded two assists in two games (against the Blues and Nottingham Forest). Overall, Odegaard has 35 goals and 27 assists in 159 games for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to be ruthless in away games

One of the key developments for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta has been their mental resilience and fortitude. The Gunners have found a way to combine good football with results.

However, despite their overall improvement, Arsenal have not done well in Europe of late. They are in fact winless and goalless in their last four away games in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking ahead of their tricky away tie at Sporting FC, Arteta challenged his team to seize their chances. He said (via The Guardian):

“Not all the games have been the same. Something that is very true is that we have to improve those results and we have to find ways to understand what has been missing. Sometimes, it’s been performance, sometimes it’s been other aspects. That’s the next step we have to make as a team."

Arteta added:

“It’s certainly something we have to improve. Making those steps is what we have to do next. Be ruthless, be efficient in the opposition box and do what we have to do to take the three points away from here.”

The Gunners are currently 12th in the UEFA Champions League table with two wins, one draw and one loss this season.

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