Declan Rice has launched a staunch defence of Martin Odegaard, saying he wouldn’t want anyone else captaining Arsenal.
The Norway international has faced criticism for his form this season and was singled out in some quarters as a weak link during last week’s 1-0 Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
After a standout campaign in 2022/23, in which he registered 22 goal involvements in 45 appearances, Odegaard’s Premier League numbers have dipped. He scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 35 league games last season; this term, it’s two goals and seven assists in 27 appearances.
Even so, [it feels reductive to judge his influence by topline stats alone](https://www.cannonstats.com/p/evaluating-some-common-critiques). Anyone who watches Arsenal regularly will know the energy he brings to Mikel Arteta’s press, as well as the way he acts as the manager’s eyes and ears on — and off — the pitch.
Clearly, that impact is felt by Rice, [who said](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-rice-psg-champions-league-b1226215.html): “He’s incredible. He’s our leader, he’s our captain.
“He trains every single day, he plays every minute of every game. He’s one of the best lads I’ve seen away from the pitch in terms of how he lives his life.
“He’s got the full respect of the dressing room, the way he demands, the way he drives the team, the way he speaks.
“You wouldn’t see him as that type of character but he really is behind the scenes and he’s been amazing for us.”
Arsenal dropped points in four of the seven league games Odegaard missed earlier in the season after picking up an ankle injury during the September Interlull (two defeats, two draws, three wins).
His return helped steady the ship, with the Gunners going 14 league games unbeaten between November and the end of February, despite further injuries to key players including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Odegaard has also played more than 700 minutes in Europe this season and could become the first Arsenal captain to lead the side into a Champions League final since Thierry Henry in 2006.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else being our captain,” added Rice.
“I think the lads feel the same way about that as well. Obviously, everyone has their dipping form.
“I’ve had dipping forms before. It doesn’t matter because he can deliver on the biggest stage and on Wednesday night I’m sure he will.
“We’re ready and we’re always with Martin because he’s one of our best players.”
With a place in the Champions League final on the line, Arsenal will need their leaders to step up — and in Martin Odegaard, they have one who leads by example.
He may not shout the loudest, but as Rice made clear, his influence runs deep. Wednesday night offers the perfect stage to silence the doubters.