Martin Ødegaard and Cole Palmer are quick to agree on the toughest opponent they’ve ever faced.

Martin Ødegaard and Cole Palmer may represent rival London clubs, but they share a common view on their toughest opponent in football.

Ødegaard, Arsenal’s captain, has been a transformative figure since arriving from Real Madrid in 2021, initially on loan. The Norwegian playmaker has become central to Mikel Arteta’s evolving Arsenal side, contributing 35 goals in 159 games and growing into his leadership role after being handed the captaincy in 2022, following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

The Gunners have keenly felt Ødegaard’s absence due to a recent ankle injury, but his return before the international break has boosted their hopes for a strong winter campaign. He will lead Arsenal in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon, who are adapting to life post-Ruben Amorim, now managing Manchester United.

In a Q&A with TNT Sports ahead of the match, Ødegaard named Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk as his toughest opponent, answering without hesitation. The Arsenal skipper has faced the Dutch defender six times in the Premier League, though he missed the 2-2 draw earlier this season when Van Dijk scored for Liverpool.

Van Dijk’s reputation as one of the game’s top defenders has been firmly established since joining Liverpool in 2018, so it’s no surprise that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer echoed Ødegaard’s sentiment. In a Q&A with Chelsea’s media team, Palmer also named Van Dijk as his toughest opponent, responding in his characteristically straightforward manner.

Palmer has faced Van Dijk three times since joining Chelsea from Manchester City, with all encounters ending in defeat. Liverpool beat Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield last season, 2-1 earlier this season, and secured a 1-0 victory in last year’s Carabao Cup final, where Van Dijk scored the decisive goal in ex

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