For weeks, legends and a few of the Arsenal faithful argued who should don the captain’s armband. Even the club’s former legend Tony Adams argued Declan Rice might be a better leader. But the boss Mikel Arteta brought the argument to an end. In a bit of a hurry. He isn’t making the decision himself, he asked the players to vote. The outcome could not have been more obvious. The team voted to retain Martin Ødegaard as captain—and they did so “by 100 miles”. Arteta went on to say that the outcome was the most unequivocal evidence possible that the players have complete faith in their captain.
A Clear Show of Trust
The vote was no close call. All his teammates, old guard and young guns, all voted for Odegaard. Arteta laid out why the vote was unanimous as a sign of the respect and trust the team has for him. It is not just about what he does on the pitch with his goals or passes, but also about the way he carries himself off it. Trust is a powerful thing inside a dressing room, and Odegaard seems to have earned every bit of it.
Leadership in a Different Way
Adams’ argument was that Rice is more valuable and more outspoken, the sort of captain who gets a team going with words. But Arteta believes that there are plenty of different ways to be a leader. He defended Odegaard’s understated style of leadership. He says that leadership isn’t always about shouting or delivering speeches. It’s about people wanting to follow you instinctively. Sometimes actions will encourage teammates so much more than words. Odegaard demonstrates that by his application, dependability, and unobtrusive assurance.
A Great Responsibility for a Young Captain
It is easy to forget that Odegaard is still in his mid-twenties. Being captain of such a huge club like Arsenal at such an age is a burden. But Odegaard’s growth into his role as a captain is admirable. Young players idolize him, and veterans admire his commitment. The equilibrium he brings to the team makes him the ideal bridge between all sides of the team.
Belief in Arsenal’s Cause
Although Arsenal have been second placed for three years now, Arteta is certain the success is imminent. He compared the process to gold digging. You may not strike it at first, but if you keep at it, it will happen at some point. Odegaard’s steady leadership is part of that digging. When the pressure is on, having a captain who keeps his cool is the difference between holding tight or falling apart. Arteta is certain Odegaard can keep the players on track for the bigger picture.
What This Means Going Forward
Keeping Odegaard as captain suggests that Arsenal value stability over commotion. It suggests that his leadership is trusted by his peers and that they are happy to stick with him for one more season. For fans, it will have to be comforting. The players did not merely put up with him—they were in an overwhelming majority who wanted him as their captain. That unity is what is needed of a team that wants to turn near-misses into trophies.
Odegaard’s captaincy is not wearing the armband. It is respect, trust, and leadership by example. That he was voted in “by 100 miles” is more eloquent than any pep talk ever could be. Arsenal’s fate will be decided by all manner of things—tactics, signings, luck—but having a captain in whom every player in the team trusts might just be the most vital piece of all.
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