Martin Odegaard has worn the captain’s armband for the Gunners since the start of the 2022/23. Since then, the team has enjoyed of the best runs in years. With him being appointed captain, Arsenal have returned to title challenge, challenged Manchester City, and regained the trust of the fans. Odegaard’s unobtrusiveness, technical quality, and astute sense of the game have been appropriate for Mikel Arteta’s approach.
But there have been rumors more recently that his status as captain is not assured. Some believe Arsenal would be better served by having a more outspoken, more assertive, and more militant captain when the time arrives. It has become a legitimate talking point among commentators and supporters.
Why Odegaard and His Leadership Matter
Odegaard’s captaincy is understated but effective. He is not the type of player to yell orders or shout instructions at his teammates. He leads by example. His work ethic, astute passing, and relentless effort set the bar for others to aim for. In high-stakes games, he will remain composed when others have lost their heads—a quality no more useful than a loud mouth.
Team-mates praise him for being level-headed. They say he is the kind of captain who will defend you on the pitch. Others view this as exactly what Arsenal need—someone who will not be swept up when the emotions are high but will keep the rest of them level-headed instead.
The Problems Being Raised for Odegaard
But there are two sides to the debate. There are those who criticize that Arsenal need a captain who, in addition to action, can inspire the team with words. In the last season, in the games when Arsenal were behind, the team would not be able to regain the initiative. A more vocal leader, the argument goes, would have been able to shift the tide.
Rice, whose physical presence at the back of midfield, is already a leader in the dressing room. Gabriel, on the other hand, offers raw passion and physicality at the back of the defence. The two are natural leaders and may be able to offer something different from a leadership angle.
Arteta’s Understanding of the Situation
To date, Mikel Arteta has given no indication that he is going to take the armband off Odegaard. In fact, he’s gone out of his way to praise the Norwegian for being a professional, for his application and for his tactical knowledge. Arteta has never liked having leaders one way only—he doesn’t think that leadership is a one-size-fits-all position.
But the Arsenal manager is also seen to make risky choices if he feels it will move the team ahead. If he feels that a switch of the captaincy will improve the team’s morale, he would never hesitate. But currently, the harmony and balance of the team seem to be his priority.
What It Means for Odegaard And The Team Going Forward
Even if Odegaard loses the armband, it won’t impact his place in the team. He is one of the big boys at Arsenal. The fulcrum of their midfield creativity and passing. The question is whether Arsenal’s title bid is served better by a volatile, outspoken captain who takes over the pitch like a warlord. Or is Odegaard’s serene leadership exactly what this young team needs to remain calm under pressure?
Author’s Note
Martin Odegaard has also brought stability, calm and leadership by stealth to Arsenal. Yes, there will be some who will insist upon a bellowing leader, but leadership isn’t about how loud you can bellow—it is about how you can make people want to follow you. Whatever Arteta does with Odegaard, or does instead, the outcome is the same: keeping Arsenal together, up for the fight, and ready to compete for the biggest honours.
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