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Ødegaard: Norway's youngest player ever

The Local Norway
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Ødegaard: Norway's youngest player ever
Martin Ødegaard got his first heads up for Norway in a 0-0 draw with UAE. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB scanpix

Martin Ødegaard earned his first senior cap against UAE on Wednesday to become Norway's youngest football international.

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At just 15 years and 253 days, Ødegaard broke a record that had stood for over 100 years. Tormod Kjellsen was Norway's previous youngest first team starter. He was aged 15 years and 351 days when he played for Norway against Sweden in 1910.

The friendly played in Stavanger finished 0-0, but Ødegaard showed some of the class that showed why top clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus are keen to sign him. The midfielder, who plays his club football for Stromsgodset played the full 90 minutes.

The gifted teenager nearly scored on his debut and created many chances for himself and his teammates. After the game Ødegaard said to NTB: “I set up a few chances and fired off a shot, and I also had a miss. It was good enough.”

Norway coach Per-Mathias Høgmo said after the match: “I think Martin came out of it all very well. He showed his qualities in attack and he was close to scoring. He was involved in a great deal of chances. It is nice when we put him on the team he feels so secure that he does whatever he can.”

Norway's next match is against England on September 3rd and Ødegaard may still be picked for the squad to face Roy Hodgson's men.

The Norwegian said: “I am only focused on developing myself and train every day to get better. It is up to Per-Mathias to choose those who are going. Of course I'd like to and it would be very cool.”

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