76 touches, 53 passes, 4 recoveries: £15m Arsenal star impresses in 3-1 win on Int'l duty, much-needed game time
Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard played the full 90 minutes during Denmark’s 3-1 win over Greece in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday evening.
The 31-year-old signed for the Gunners from Brentford last summer for £15 million, and he has made only two appearances in all competitions.
Norgaard was a late substitute in the 2-0 Champions League win at Athletic Club.
He made his full debut against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup third round. Despite his lack of minutes, he remains a key player at the international level.
Norgaard played 26 minutes of Denmark’s thumping 6-0 win over Belarus last week, replacing Morten Hjulmand.
With Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg suspended against Greece, the Arsenal man played the full 90 minutes alongside Hjulmand, delivering a solid performance.
Norgaard had 76 touches with 53 successful passes. He won foul duels with four recoveries, three clearances, two tackles and blocked two shots.
The midfielder managed 116 minutes of regulation time during the international break, and it should prove handy in maintaining his match sharpness.
Norgaard has yet to make his Premier League debut for the Gunners, but he could be called upon off the bench if manager Mikel Arteta requires more defensive assurance.
Arsenal have a potentially winnable league schedule as they face Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland before the final international break of the year.
In between, they face Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague in the Champions League, and have a League Cup fourth round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion at home.
Arteta will ring in the changes for the Cup tie later this month. Norgaard should be handed his second start in the competition, with Martin Zubimendi being rested.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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