Former Premier League winger Lee Sharpe has said that he is “surprised” that Declan Rice isn’t the Arsenal captain over Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard faced yet another season as captain where he didn’t get the chance to lift a piece of silverware under Arteta after the Gunners finished second in the Premier League.
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They were also knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage after a good run, by Paris Saint-Germain, who go into the final against Inter Milan as favourites to win.
Arteta has chosen Odegaard as his captain for the foreseeable future, but former Premier League winger Lee Sharpe says that he is surprised that England international Declan Rice isn’t his captain.
Sharpe told Esports Insider: “I’m surprised Declan Rice is not Arsenal’s captain. He leads by example, works his socks off, breaks down defences and scores goals – what more do you want from a captain?
“He seems like he’s a great personality and he’s had a phenomenal season. Numerous times this season he’s displayed traits that you look for in a leader, such as when he pulled up Thomas Partey for getting booked in the Champions League.”
Sharpe backs Rice to become England captain
After praising Rice for Arsenal, Sharpe believes that the midfielder should be the England captain too, after Harry Kane no longer holds the position.
“I don’t see any reason why Rice can’t be England’s captain either.” Sharpe said, “He’s a leader, but he seems to be the sort of person to take the sympathetic approach to other players, rather than singling them out and barking at them, which some players might react to better.
“He’d cover for you if you were in trouble and takes the game by the scruff of the neck. I think Rice is a complete midfielder and could comfortably captain England in the upcoming World Cup.”
In other news, Arsenal And Tottenham ‘Offered’ Chance To Sign Ex-Manchester City PL Title Winner.