“Take off Martin Ødegaard’s captain’s band and give it to this Arsenal player for next season”: Chelsea great Didier Drogba has tasked Arteta with taking off Martin Ødegaard’s band, warning him that if he doesn’t, he could lose the Premier League like Chelsea did the next season.
Mikel Arteta has a big choice to make before the upcoming season: choosing Arsenal’s captain. Even if Martin Ødegaard has performed well in the position, a change might be in order. Arteta ought to think about giving the captain’s armband to a more suitable recipient.
There have been instances where Ødegaard’s leadership has been called into doubt due to players reportedly disobeying his on-field instructions. His inconsistency in form has also hindered his capacity to set an example for others. Even in his most brilliant moments, Ødegaard hasn’t consistently displayed the authority and dependability that a captain should possess.
Conversely, athletes such as Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus have demonstrated a strong sense of leadership and a willingness to accept accountability. Rice has developed considerably and is now an essential member of Arsenal’s midfield, and Jesus has set the bar high with his dedication and work ethic.
It is a good idea for Arteta to give the captaincy to a player who genuinely exemplifies the principles he wants the team to learn. For example, Bukayo Saka is a great candidate because he has demonstrated maturity and a willingness to learn on a regular basis. Saka is positioned to be an excellent leader for Arsenal in the next season due to his quick ascent and commitment to the squad.
By taking away Ødegaard’s captaincy, Arteta can highlight the exacting standards he demands of his players. It’s time for a new boss to take charge and steer Arsenal in the right direction.
Didier Drogba, though, believes Declan Rice, an England international, will succeed and will eventually wear the captain’s armband:
“Those are the things that will be different for him to deal with, but I have no doubt that he will make an impact at that football club throughout time, and he will most likely become Arsenal’s captain at some point.”
Declan Rice is now the most expensive British footballer in history in addition to being the club record acquisition for the north Londoners. Mikel Arteta’s team paid a high price to entice him to the Emirates because they were determined to win him over.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old has emerged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League. He has improved his goal scoring, is skilled with the ball, and plays solid defense. Last season, he played in 50 games in all competitions, recording five goals and four assists.
Given that Rice led West Ham to UEFA Europa Conference League victory in his final season there, his leadership abilities are a huge advantage. With 43 caps, he is a staple in Gareth Southgate’s England national squad.
Rice was acquired by Arsenal following a season in which they challenged Manchester City for the Premier League championship. But in the last moments of the campaign, Arteta’s team was bereft of leaders and lost two crucial points, as their title challenge disappeared.
