Arsenal v Manchester City showcases Norway's rising fortunes

The top-of-the-table Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester City is sure to be a worldwide spectacle – but in Norway it will provide "ultimate proof" that attempts to revamp their football system have succeeded.

Martin Odegaard will lead out Arsenal as they host their title rivals on Wednesday night, while his Norway international team-mate Erling Haaland will be hoping to be fit enough to feature and add to his impressive goal tally for City.

The pair might go head to head in north London but their respective rises to the top of the game have proved a rethink in Norwegian football has paid off.

A decade ago, Norsk Toppfotball – an interest organisation for the teams in the top two divisions of Norway – aimed to raise the standard of football in the country.

Graded youth academies, altered rules governing loan moves and investment to develop young players and youth coaches has now started to pay dividends.

It has not been an exact science, Norway missed out on a place at the 2022 World Cup and still have not played at a major finals since 2000.

But, now in 15th place – Norway has surpassed Scandinavian rivals Sweden (22) and Denmark (17) in UEFA's association club coefficients and have long-targeted Euro 2024 qualification as a marker of progress for the national team.

The country has 27 players plying their trade in the top five European leagues – more than at any point in the past.

Odegaard and Haaland are leading the way in terms of exports and both are hoping to lift the Premier League title at the end of the campaign.

Having known each other for much of their careers, Odegaard was expecting his countryman to shine in England.

"To be honest I’m not surprised," the Arsenal skipper said of Haaland’s fine start at