Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has delivered a frank assessment of club captain Martin Odegaard, urging the Norwegian international to rediscover his best form after what he believes has been an underwhelming period for the midfielder.
Petit, a Premier League and World Cup winner, acknowledged Odegaard’s technical quality but suggested Arsenal require more consistent leadership and match-winning performances from their captain if they are to finally end their wait for major silverware.
Speaking in recent media interviews, Petit argued that while Odegaard remains one of Mikel Arteta’s most gifted players, his influence has dipped during key moments over the past couple of seasons.
The Frenchman believes Arsenal‘s captain must take greater responsibility when the pressure is at its highest, particularly in decisive Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
Odegaard has been one of Arteta’s most trusted players since arriving permanently from Real Madrid in 2021. The attacking midfielder has developed into one of the Premier League’s most creative playmakers, contributing goals, assists and leadership as Arsenal re-established themselves among England’s elite
Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, he said: “The last two seasons have been difficult for Martin Odegaard. His first three seasons with Arsenal were brilliant, scoring many goals and giving many assists as the main playmaker.
“But since last season, he hasn’t been at his usual level in terms of stats and his impact. He was not the first choice anymore for Mikel Arteta. He has been injured for months, just like Bukayo Saka. Is it a coincidence that Saka was also struggling last season?
“The link between the two players disappeared. He needs to recover to his best level. I still like him, but if things don’t change, his days at Arsenal will be numbered.”
Petit raises a fair point. Expectations naturally increase when you wear the captain’s armband at a club with Arsenal’s ambitions, and Odegaard is judged by a higher standard because of his importance to the team.
Few would question his technical ability, vision or intelligence on the ball. At his best, he dictates the tempo of games, creates chances effortlessly and presses relentlessly without possession. The issue is whether those performances have been consistent enough during the defining moments of Arsenal’s recent campaigns.
The very best captains impose themselves when their team is struggling. Whether through a decisive goal, a defence-splitting pass or simply controlling possession under pressure, elite leaders find ways to influence matches that shape seasons.
For Arsenal, they need their captain to deliver those moments more frequently. That does not mean scoring every week or producing spectacular performances in every game, but it does mean setting the standard when pressure reaches its peak.
Odegaard has already shown he possesses that level. The challenge for next season is sustaining it across an entire campaign. If he can consistently perform in the biggest league fixtures and knockout ties, Arsenal can push on and add another Premier League title to the cabinet.
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