Arsenal’s midfield maestro Martin Odegaard has revealed what he thinks of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen ahead of tonight’s match.
Wolves kick off their Premier League campaign with a trip to the Emirates Stadium this evening as Gary O’Neil attempts to pull off a tactical masterclass.
The odds are stacked against the visitors achieving a positive result, with Chris Sutton tipping Arsenal to win comfortably against Wolves.
O’Neil did have some positive news to reveal ahead of the clash. Matheus Cunha has been deemed fit and ready to take his place in the matchday squad while confirming that Daniel Podence and Goncalo Guedes could feature.
Regardless of what side the Wolves boss picks, coming against world-class players such as Martin Odegaard is always a difficult challenge, with the Norwegian now sending a message to new signing Jorgen Strand Larsen ahead of the match.
Martin Odegaard shares what he thinks of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen
Wolves confirmed the signing of Strand Larsen from Celta Vigo this summer. He was finally the striker signing that O’Neil had been craving, as last term he struck 13 times in La Liga.
Arsenal captain Odegaard is very familiar with Strand Larsen, as the pair are teammates on the international stage with Norway.
Odegaard believes it’s a ‘good opportunity’ for the 24-year-old to play in the Premier League, wishing him well for the campaign ahead but only from matchday two onwards.
Speaking to the Gunner’s official website, he said: “We know about Wolves, a very strong team. They will be full of hope too for the new season, so it’s important we start well.
“They have signed Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is somebody I know well from the national team.
“I spoke with him last week about coming over to England. It’s a good opportunity for him to play in the Premier League. He’s a good guy and I wish him luck, but starting from matchday two!”
Strand Larsen faces a tough test to kickstart Wolves career
Last season, Arsenal had the best defence in the Premier League, keeping the most clean sheets (18) and conceding the fewest goals (29).
A massive reason for their success defensively was the incredible partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, a duo capable of shutting down the league’s most deadly attacks.
On Saturday evening, Strand Larsen will face a baptism of fire if he’s given the nod, as the Norwegian will be coming up against the division’s most fearsome defensive duo.
It’s an opportunity he should relish given he’s 6 foot 4 and physically built to compete against two Premier League stalwarts.
Indeed, the ‘exciting’ Wolves signing could make a statement of intent against the title challengers by holding his own against Saliba and Gabriel, while giving the visitors a platform to strike on the counter.
Strand Larsen will be tasked with holding up the ball and bringing his teammates into play, an attribute he’s been brought into the club for, as well as his clinical finishing.
Hopefully, Wolves can pull off an upset in North London and if they do, the Norwegian powerhouse will no doubt play his part.