At a Glance:
- Viktor Gyokeres picks Arsenal teammate over Erling Haaland.
- Haaland is arguably the best striker in the world.
- Statistics disprove Gyokeres.
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres must be aspiring to hit the same heights as an elite centre-forward like Erling Haaland in his career.
Gyokeres has been in form recently but the Manchester City number nine already has a case for being one of the most natural goalscorers the game has ever seen.
As a result, the Swedish international should perhaps even study the two-time Premier League winner’s game to improve as a striker himself.
Gyokeres must hold Haaland in high esteem but he has made a claim surrounding the Norwegian that may end up raising eyebrows.
- READ MORE: Alan Shearer thinks he knows the secret behind Viktor Gyokeres’ transformation at Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres suggests Martin Odegaard is better than Erling Haaland
Speaking to TNT Sports, Gyokeres was asked to name the best player from a multitude of countries.
The 27-year-old’s picks included Lionel Messi for Argentina, Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Sweden, Neymar for Brazil, Luis Suarez for Uruguay, David Villa for Spain and Declan Rice for England.
The former Sporting CP marksman was quizzed about who he reckons is the standout player for Norway.
Viktor Gyökeres picks his best international players 👀 pic.twitter.com/Su1krejDHN
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 12, 2026
Gyokeres’ answer was Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard instead of Haaland.
Comparing Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard’s stats for Norway
It’s safe to say that the Stockholm-born forward’s claim can be considered an unpopular opinion.
After all, Haaland spearheaded Norway’s qualification to the 2026 World Cup for the first time since 1998 while Odegaard’s form has declined since the 2023/2024 season and he is not as influential as the 25-year-old for his nation as well.
Even the numbers side with the former Borussia Dortmund phenom over the Drammen-born midfielder.
| Statistics for Norway | Erling Haaland | Martin Odegaard |
| Matches | 49 | 67 |
| Goals | 55 | 4 |
| Assists | 6 | 18 |
Haaland has amassed a staggering 55 goals and six assists in 49 appearances for Norway. Meanwhile, Odegaard’s tally of four goals and 18 assists in 67 appearances for his nation cannot stack up in comparison to his countryman.
However, Gyokeres backed his teammate and skipper, something several players do in interviews.
