Softfootball understands that Arsenal star Christian Nørgaard may have seen his game time restricted since arriving from Brentford in the summer, but that has not stopped the experienced midfielder from making a clear impact behind the scenes.
The 31-year-old Denmark international, who spent six years at Brentford, including the final two as club captain, speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea in the EFL Cup today, in a post shared by Arsenal via their official X account, speaking on competition within the squad, Nørgaard was clear about his mindset.
He said:
There will always be competition for places, but I see it more as something we’re trying to achieve as a team.
He also reflected on his role since joining during pre-season.
He added:
I’ve not had as many minutes on the pitch as I would have wanted, but I think I’ve still felt an integrated part of the team. I think it’s been good so far. Obviously, there’s always a time where you have to settle in and get used to everyone and everything. Players have different personalities, so it’s also about fitting into the dynamic with your own style too. That comes down to a great culture, I think, where it has been easy to step in. I’m doing my best to have conversations with different players and also talk about other topics than just football.
From the start, Nørgaard made it clear he wanted to bring value both on and off the pitch, even if minutes were never guaranteed.
And in many ways, that is exactly what he has done. His professionalism during the week has stood out, setting standards in training and offering reliability whenever he has been called upon.
Even when not selected, Nørgaard has continued to leave his mark through his attitude and work ethic. His last appearance for Arsenal came in the club’s emphatic 4-1 FA Cup victory against Portsmouth, but his influence goes beyond matchday involvement.
Teammates and staff have pointed to his leadership in training and his willingness to support younger players, quietly but consistently.
With experience at clubs such as Brondby, Fiorentina and Brentford, and under managers like Thomas Frank, Nørgaard adds an extra layer of maturity and balance to the dressing room. Sometimes, that kind of presence matters more than minutes.
