Christian Norgaard has admitted he’s hoping to play more in the second half of the season, but he insists he’s enjoying his spell with Arsenal so far.
Christian Norgaard spoke to the media on Tuesday ahead of Arsenal’s final game of the Champions League’s League Phase the following day.
Norgaard is likely to start the match against Kairat Almaty, with the Gunners having already confirmed a top-two finish and only needing one point to secure first place. Their opponents are the bottom team in the League Phase, and the game is at the Emirates Stadium.
If ever there were a time to rest and rotate, this is it. On top of that, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are suspended, limiting Mikel Arteta’s midfield options.
But for the most part this season, Norgaard has found starting opportunities to be few and far between. The 31-year-old has made just six starts in all competitions since his summer move, with none of those coming in the Premier League.
Reflecting on his campaign so far, Norgaard insisted it’s been a positive experience, but that he’s hoping he’ll play more in the run-in.
“It’s been a fantastic experience for me so far this season,” Norgaard said. “I would obviously love to play more minutes, but the minutes I’ve had so far I’ve really enjoyed.
“Even though I’m not playing as much, I still try to contribute with everything I can around the group. It’s also a good feeling to see and feel like you’re a part of it, you can actually play on this level and I’ve been confirming that this season.
“Now it’s just about being patient, being hard-working and hopefully more chances will come.
“I think coming towards the end of the season, hopefully we will also need the whole squad and I’m sure I can play a role as well in the last part of the Premier League.”
With Arsenal remaining in the Champions League, League Cup, and the FA Cup, there are certainly a lot of games coming up for Norgaard to play in.
The Denmark international is clearly hoping to break into the Premier League side more often as well, but he’s almost certainly going to be playing football no matter what.