Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn has said that Martin Odegaard is “more important than people realise” after receiving criticism this season.
Odegaard would have been hoping to lift some silverware as the Arsenal captain this season, but instead he saw his side lose to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals. They also lost out on the Premier League title to Liverpool.
Most Read on Gooner News
The Norway international has had a quieter season in terms of numbers this year under Mikel Arteta. He has scored five goals in all competitions and provided 10 assists.
This has led many to criticise Odegaard, saying that he needs to have more of an impact in Arsenal’s midfield like in previous seasons. However, former Gunner Winterburn backed the captain, and has said that he is getting unfair criticism this season.
Speaking to BetVictor, Winterburn said: “Captains lead in different ways. When the captain’s form drops off, as Martin Odegaard’s has, taking the armband off them is a conversation that’s always going to come up.”
“When people question Odegaard, or any player who is underperforming, I ask whether they’re still giving one hundred percent and still wanting the ball – Martin Odegaard is. That shows me that he’s not hiding. His form has dropped and obviously people are going to scrutinise that, but for me a captain is more than what you see on the pitch.
“I think he’s more important than people realise, as a link between the manager and the squad both on the pitch and off it.”
Who could take over as Arsenal captain next season?
There has been no indication that Odegaard will lose the captaincy after this year, however after seeing his form drop off, it could be a decision that Arteta considers.
In his squad, there are plenty of players that Arteta could select for captain, including the likes of defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, who have become real leaders at the back.
However, Winterburn believes that if Arteta was to swap, he would give the armband to Declan Rice, who has arguably been the best player in red and white this season. He said: “I do understand why people are talking about Rice potentially getting the captaincy, because of his energy and the fact he has become a more vocal presence on the pitch, especially in the second half of the season.”
Click here to see Arsenal’s latest injury news and expected return dates.