08 April 2024 , 14:48
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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard knows Harry Kane's qualities from experience, but does not fear the former Tottenham striker ahead of their clash in the Champions League.
The Gunners welcome Bayern Munich to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening as they look to progress to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009. The teams last faced each other over two legs in 2017 with the German giants prevailing 10-2 on aggregate.
Bayern sit second in the Bundesliga, off the pace in the title race as they trail Bayer Leverkusen by 16 points, with Thomas Tuchel having already decided to part ways with the club at the end of the season. That has not stopped Kane from enjoying an impressive first term in Germany.
The England captain has netted 38 goals in 37 appearances since his summer move from Spurs and boasts a good record against Arsenal. The former Tottenham hitman has only scored more goals against Leicester and Everton than Arsenal, producing 14 strikes and three assists across 19 appearances.
Odegaard recognises that Kane possesses two key qualities Arsenal must be aware of but is more focused on what his side can produce. “I think we should of course respect him but I don’t think we should fear anyone,” he said.
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“We have to focus on ourselves and the quality we have in the team. He’s a good player. I have played against him a few times and I know the quality he has, especially in the box, and he’s also good in the link-up.”
The Norway international holds no fear heading into the Champions League quarter-final but believes Bayern's league results don't represent their true quality. The 25-year-old believes his Arsenal side are prepared for any challenge.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Julio Enciso of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Odegaard said: “Every game we play there are good challenges. Bayern are a good team with lots of good attacking players and it’s going to be a big night at the Emirates.
“They’ve had some strange results in the league and we have seen that. But if you look at the team and see the quality they have then we know they are a really strong side with really good individual players as well so it’s going to be a tough battle, but we are ready.”
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