Mikel Arteta faces an Arsenal captaincy dilemma as Martin Odegaard’s form dips, sparking debate over whether a leadership change is needed.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has faced growing calls to reconsider the club’s captaincy following Martin Odegaard’s recent dip in form, but the Arsenal boss has stood firm amid Arsenal captaincy dilemma. The Norwegian midfielder, who was handed the armband in 2022, has struggled to replicate his early-season brilliance, leading to speculation about whether a leadership change is necessary.
At the start of the campaign, Odegaard was a pivotal figure for the Gunners, but a knee injury sidelined him for three months, disrupting his rhythm. Since his return, he has managed only one Premier League goal this year, and his performances in crucial matches—such as Arsenal’s Champions League exit against PSG—have raised concerns. Pundits like Alan Shearer and Frank Leboeuf have criticized his recent displays, while former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has suggested that Arteta should strip him of the captaincy and hand it to Declan Rice.
Despite the scrutiny, Arteta appears to be standing by his captain. Reports from The Athletic indicate that Arsenal are “fairly certain” Odegaard will retain the armband next season. Rice himself has publicly backed his teammate, acknowledging that dips in form are natural and expressing confidence in Odegaard’s ability to deliver when it matters most.
While Odegaard’s leadership has been questioned, Arsenal’s vice-captains—Bukayo Saka, Jorginho, and Gabriel Magalhães—have also stepped up when needed. Rice, a former captain for West Ham, remains a strong candidate for the role in the future, but for now, Arteta seems committed to his current skipper.
As Arsenal look to end their six-year trophy drought, Odegaard’s ability to regain his best form will be crucial. Whether Arteta’s faith in him pays off remains to be seen, but for now, the Norwegian remains at the helm of the Gunners’ leadership.
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