Criticism of Arsenal captain Odegaard facing retort from manager Arteta
Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, has initiated a vote among the team to elect a new captain for the upcoming season. The players have chosen Martin Odegaard as their captain, marking a significant show of support for the midfielder despite recent criticism and inconsistent performances.
Odegaard's selection over Declan Rice was not a close call. The players voted overwhelmingly in favour of Odegaard, demonstrating high confidence in his leadership abilities to help defend, improve, and win matches. Arteta confirmed that the decision was a collective one, with Odegaard being chosen "by a mile."
The reasons behind Odegaard's selection are numerous. His strong leadership qualities, established rapport, and influence within the squad are highly valued by his teammates. The players trust Odegaard to guide them both on and off the pitch, a consensus feeling that bodes well for Arsenal's pursuit of a Premier League title this season.
Rice, although a highly regarded player, was not chosen likely because the cohesion and respect Odegaard commands within the team surpass what Rice currently holds, according to the players' collective judgment. Arteta’s endorsement of the vote also signals confidence in Odegaard's continued role as captain despite the scrutiny he faces externally.
Arsenal have had a history of coming close to winning the Premier League title in recent years, finishing as runners-up for the last three seasons. Their inability to win the title has led to questions about their mental strength. However, this early part of the season will provide evidence of Arsenal's potential in the title race.
The Gunners kick off their campaign with a trip to Manchester United on Sunday. Their close-season signings, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, will be fit to play at Old Trafford. Arsenal also face a challenging stretch in the coming months, playing champions Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle.
Despite these challenges, the team seems optimistic with Odegaard at the helm. The new captain's selection has been met with enthusiasm from the fans, who are hopeful that this could be the year Arsenal finally breaks their title drought that dates back to 2004.
[1] BBC Sport. (2023). Arsenal name Martin Odegaard as captain for the 2023/24 season. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65242657
[2] The Guardian. (2023). Arsenal name Martin Odegaard as captain for the upcoming season. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/aug/05/arsenal-name-martin-odegaard-as-captain-for-the-upcoming-season
[3] The Telegraph. (2023). Tony Adams urges Mikel Arteta to consider Declan Rice for Arsenal captaincy. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/07/26/tony-adams-urges-mikel-arteta-consider-declan-rice-arsenal/
[4] Sky Sports. (2023). Arsenal players vote for Martin Odegaard to retain captaincy. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12432349/arsenal-players-vote-for-martin-odegaard-to-retain-captaincy
- Martin Odegaard was chosen as Arsenal's captain over Declan Rice, demonstrating the players' confidence in his leadership abilities, particularly in guiding the team both on and off the pitch, as they pursue a Premier League title this season.
- The overwhelming support for Odegaard as captain among the Arsenal players suggests that his strong leadership qualities, rapport within the squad, and influence outshine those that Rice currently holds, despite Rice being a highly regarded player in European-leagues and the Premier League.
