Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has now opened up about how he conducts himself as a leader at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Odegaard is a leader on and off the pitch for Arsenal.
On the field of play, he not only wears the armband, but he also leads by example. The Norwegian playmaker is relentless in his work rate, he presses and harries opposition players, tracks back to support the defence reliably, and runs hard from the first whistle to the last.
The former Real Madrid man is also something like Mikel Arteta’s representative on the pitch, as he constantly instructs and orders his teammates around, gesticulating wildly and orchestrating the Gunners’ play throughout matches.
Due to these attributes, Odegaard has been described as a “perfect” Arsenal captain, and he is worthy of such praise. All this is made even more impressive when it is remembered that the midfielder is still just 25-years-old.
In his capacity as captain, the 59-cap Norway international also has an important role to play behind the scenes, in the dressing room and on the training pitch. Arteta will rely on Odegaard to assist in maintaining order and harmony within the squad.
Of course, he has support in this, as there are other senior figures within the group. For instance, Jorginho has impressed at Arsenal with his leadership skills. Ultimately, though, Odegaard is top of the tree.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal urges on the fansduring the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on May 19, 2024 i…
Martin Odegaard recognises his own progress as Arsenal captain
The skipper is able to recognise that the captaincy represents a role that he has grown into. The longer he wears the armband, the more comfortable it becomes.
Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, and discussing the steps forward he has made, Odegaard said: “I think I’ve improved a lot as a player, as a leader, and as a person. You know, I’ve been growing up more and more, getting older and more experienced, and feel like I’m growing more and more into the role.
“I’m really enjoying it, massive honour, and I’m so proud to be captain of this fantastic club… I think I’m taking the right steps as the leader, and just trying to get better and understand what we want as a team more and more.”
He was then asked if he is the one to serve up the ‘hairdryer treatment’ in the dressing room, when the occasion calls for the players to be on the receiving end of a louder, more aggressive style of management.
Odegaard replied: “We have different people for different things, and Mikel can do that [hairdryer treatment] every now and then. For me, I’m maybe not the one who is shouting the most, and all those things, but I think it’s important to tell people when it’s not good enough and also tell people when it’s good. It’s just finding that balance.
“For me, the main thing is to do what’s right for the team and help the players around to get the best out of everyone. There’s many ways to do that.”
Arsenal and Odegaard already preparing for new season
Odegaard enjoyed his summer away from Arsenal, and is now preparing for the new campaign.
Odegaard is one of several Arsenal players currently working with Arteta at a training camp in Marbella, and he has provided an update on how progress is going in the coastal Spanish city.