Martin Ødegaard endured a difficult campaign last season, drawing criticism from some quarters over both his performances and his leadership as Arsenal captain. Entrusted with the armband, he is expected not only to lead the team in spirit but also to set the standard in midfield through consistently high-level displays.
In the 2023/2024 season, Ødegaard excelled, earning recognition as one of the finest midfielders in world football. However, last term proved far less successful. An injury early in the campaign disrupted his rhythm, and he was unable to regain peak form in time to make a decisive impact. As a result, his performances fell below expectations, coinciding with Arsenal’s third consecutive runner-up finish in the league. This decline has led to renewed debate over whether he remains the right choice to captain the side.
Questions Over the Captaincy
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The attacking midfielder would undoubtedly prefer to avoid such scrutiny, yet the current reality is that he has struggled to produce his best football. To retain his position as team leader, he will need to improve markedly in the coming season. Some within the football community believe a change in leadership could benefit both Ødegaard and the team as a whole.
According to [the Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14998409/Arsenal-Tony-Adams-Mikel-Arteta.html), Arsenal legend Tony Adams has publicly called for the captaincy to be handed to Declan Rice. He remarked, “He’s got a really big call to make this year and for me he hasn’t done it. The call is to make Declan Rice the captain. I think Declan is my kind of captain, and it might free Ødegaard up to play with a bit more freedom.” Adams’ comments suggest that a shift in responsibility could potentially allow Ødegaard to focus on rediscovering his creative influence without the added burden of leading the side.
Maintaining Faith in Leadership
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While last season was disappointing for Ødegaard, one underwhelming campaign does not necessarily justify removing him as captain. Leadership in football extends beyond match-day performances, encompassing influence in training, dressing room authority, and the ability to inspire teammates in challenging moments. If he can recover his form and demonstrate resilience, Ødegaard may yet reaffirm his suitability for the role and silence the growing calls for change. The upcoming season could therefore prove pivotal in shaping his future as Arsenal’s leader.