Martin Odegaard 'Mocks' Erling Haaland Ahead of Man City vs Arsenal Showdown

• Martin Odegaard says he was unimpressed with Erling Haaland when they first met
• The two stars were called up to play for Norway's U-21s national team in 2018
• They have become good friends even as they aim to win their first EPL title each

Martin Odegaard will meet with international compatriot, Erling Haaland when Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on April 26.

It has been billed as the game of the season, with the result promising to have severe ramifications on both teams' title ambitions.

In essence, a defeat would be more damaging to Arsenal, who have seen their sizeable lead at the top of the table cut to just seven points with Manchester City having played two games less.

The last time the Gunners won at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League was in December 2015. The Citizens have already beaten them twice this season - once in the FA Cup and in the reverse fixture at their home ground Emirates.

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The two main protagonists for the Wednesday clash will be Odegaard and Haaland, who have been exemplary this season. The two Norwegians are good friends but will put that aside for 90 minutes when they meet.

Odegaard's first impression of Haaland

Before their friendship blossomed, Odegaard's first impression of Haaland was a negative one. The two first met in 2018 when they were both called up to represent Norway in U-21 competitions.

The Arsenal captain said of Haaland, as quoted by the Mirror:

"You were more like a little [expletive] in the beginning. You were so childish. You have grown up more in the last couple of years. But you saw it in the first [international] camp, in the videos when you dance and sing. It looks like you are 12 years old and the biggest little [expletive]. Honestly."

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Odegaard was making these comments during Haaland's documentary The Big Decision, where he talked about many things including his decision to join Manchester City.

The Gunners star also explained how he grew to like Haaland by understanding what his antics meant.

"I don’t think he does things because he thinks they are really cool. But maybe he wants to get a reaction and maybe be a little funny. I just laugh at him. I do not take it seriously when he does crazy things."

Haaland has 32 goals in the Premier League, needing one more to break Mohamed Salah's record of most goals in a single season. Odegaard, meanwhile, has chipped in with 12 goals and 7 assists.

Rooney tips Haaland for Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief also reported on English legend, Wayne Rooney supporting Man City striker, Haaland to win the Ballon d'Or for the year in review ahead of Lionel Messi.

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The ex-Man United star believes the Norwegian deserves the award more than the Argentine veteran, who many believe will claim a record-extending eighth prize.

Messi's success at the 2022 World Cup, winning the Golden Ball for inspiring his country to its first Mundial since 1986, has placed him ahead of the other players.