During a thrilling UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg match against Porto on Tuesday night, former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry lauded Gunners’ captain Martin Odegaard for his contribution.
The only goal of the game came in the 41st minute of the second leg, leading Arsenal to a dramatic 4-2 win over Porto in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
Henry, an iconic figure at Arsenal, praised Odegaard for his brilliant through-ball that set up Leandro Trossard’s composed finish to equalize at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking in a post-match interview with CBS, Henry emphasized the significance of Odegaard’s precision in executing a long pass, showcasing the midfielder’s footballing intelligence and vision.
Drawing comparisons to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, Henry admired Odegaard’s skill in maneuvering the ball onto his favored left foot, enabling him to deliver a perfectly placed pass through the defender’s legs, setting up Trossard’s clinical goal.
Henry remarked, “The way he [Martin] shifted the ball back onto his left foot, to find that little pass that went in between the leg of the player, to make sure Trossard was going to finish it and he finished it ever-so well.”
Henry also commented, “What I like here is what Odegaard did when the ball comes back here. Is that Bergkamp-like? Yes, very much so.”