Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard compares Erling Haaland to former Real Sociedad teammate | OneFootball

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has delivered his verdict on comparisons between Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Haaland has been nothing short of a sensation since his arrival to the Premier League from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, leading Manchester City to a historic treble in his first season in England and racking up an incredible 53 goals in all competitions for the Blues.

The 24-year-old has won the Premier League Golden Boot in each of his two seasons in the English top-flight so far and despite Manchester City’s well-documented struggles this term, the Norwegian has scored 30 times in 40 appearances in all competitions, with 21 strikes in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola has been delighted with Haaland’s impact and City’s exploits in the UEFA Champions League since the forward’s arrival, going unbeaten at the Etihad Stadium in Europe for over two years between 2022 and 2024.

However, recent seasons have witnessed the emergence of Alexander Isak in the north-east and the Swedish striker has led Eddie Howe and Newcastle United to in and around the UEFA Champions League qualification places this season.

Isak is widely recognised as one of the best centre forwards in Europe owing to the form and consistency he has showcased for Newcastle, particularly at a time there is a relatively scarce volume of traditional world-class number nines in world football.

Several elite clubs across Europe will be on the lookout for a seasoned striker to bolster their respective goalscoring exploits in the summer transfer window – and Alexander Isak is one name possibly featuring on many wishlists.

Whilst on international duty with Norway in March, Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard was quizzed on whom he thinks is a better finisher between Haaland and Isak – who have both enjoyed playing against the Gunners in the Premier League since their respective arrival(s) to England.

“Both are good in and around the box and score a lot of goals. They are a little different in their style of play but both are dangerous goal scorers,” Odegaard, who played with Isak at Real Sociedad, said in an interview with Fotboll Skanalen, as relayed by Sport Witness.

“I have been lucky enough to play with both of them and found it enjoyable. If you look at what Erling (Haaland) has done and the records, he sets all the time, it speaks for itself. But it is clear that Isak has had a very good season and is a fantastic player.”