Date: 9th August 2022 at 3:54pm
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Martin Odegaard was recently named Arsenal‘s captain and Rio Ferdinand believes that responsibility could affect the Norwegian.

THE LOWDOWN: BIG RESPONSIBILITY

Since joining Arsenal permanently last summer, Odegaard has become a key player for Mikel Arteta, justifying the €40m fee that the Gunners paid Real Madrid for his services.

On the pitch, he showed his worth with a number of captivating displays. Off the pitch, he has been able to form sound chemistry with the other youngsters like  Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe.

As a matter of fact, towards the end of last season, Odegaard wore the captain’s armband on a number of occasions alongside Xhaka, Kieran Tierney and a host of others

Ahead of the new campaign, the 23-year-old was officially named the club’s captain by Mikel Arteta and wore the armband in the opening day victory over Crystal Palace. Odegaard’s leadership abilities are well documented, with the midfielder also the captain of national side Norway.

However, there is a burden that comes with the armband and Rio Ferdinand is of the opinion that extra responsibility could tell on the midfielder this season.

THE LATEST: FERDINAND MAKES CLAIM

On the pitch, Odegaard is Arsenal’s chief-creator and will be expected to deliver the chances for players like Gabriel Jesus to thrive.

The Norwegian will now have to shoulder more responsibility though, and will take a leadership mantle as well in the dressing room.

Ferdinand knows one or two about the leadership role and often wore the armband, even though he was never officially named a captain during his time at Manchester United.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said about Odegaard: “I said that in the group (that the armband weighs heavy). It could be a different Odegaard this year.”

THE VERDICT: NOTHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT

Arteta is not only a tactical coach but is very particular about character development, as seen in the recently released All or Nothing, Arsenal docuseries.

Obviously, Arteta has seen something in Odegaard to be sure he is capable of handling that responsibility. The added fact that the 23-year-old was named the Norway captain at a rather young age goes further to buttress that point.

For Arsenal to fire on all cylinders this season, they will need to get their acts right, especially in terms of scoring goals and Odegaard will no doubt be a key player in all aspects of the club’s ambitions.

 

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