Arsenal star Declan Rice has given his full backing to club captain Martin Odegaard during a tricky run of form for the playmaker.
It comes ahead of Arsenal’s clash with PSG in the Champions League semi-final second leg, with a packed-out Parc des Princes ready for another thrilling encounter.
PSG currently lead 1-0 over Arsenal, with the Gunners tasked with overcoming a deficit to book themselves a place in the final.
The big players will have to step up for the big occasion, with Martin Odegaard among those shouldering the responsibility.
While the captain has struggled, his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice has still backed him to bring a moment of magic along.
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Declan Rice backs Martin Odegaard amid Arsenal star’s ‘dip in form’
Martin Odegaard has come in for some criticism this season, with the Arsenal captain struggling to produce the same output as previous campaigns.
It has been a particular issue when the Gunners need a spark in their attack, not least against low blocks or when trailing in matches.
Arsenal Insider understands that Arsenal are backing Odegaard, even during his poor form, though some fans are uncertain about his place in the team.
Amid that uncertainty, Declan Rice has set the record straight, telling the press before his side’s Champions League clash with PSG: “He’s incredible. He’s our leader, he’s our captain. He trains every single day. He plays every minute of every game. He’s one of the best lads I’ve seen away from the pitch in terms of how he lives his life.
“He’s got the full respect of the dressing room, the way he demands, the way he drives the team, the way he speaks. You wouldn’t see him as that type of character, but he really is behind the scenes.
“He’s been amazing for us and I wouldn’t want anyone else as our captain, and I think the lads feel the same way about that as well.
“Obviously, everyone has a dip in form, I’ve had a dip in form before, it doesn’t matter because he can deliver on the biggest stage and tomorrow night I’m sure he will.
“We’re ready and we’re always with Martin because he’s one of our best players.”
It shows the admiration held for Odegaard, with many hoping he can put his form behind him and return to his best against PSG.
Martin Odegaard’s struggles in front of goal this season
It’s fair to say that Odegaard is struggling this season, which won’t have been helped by his absence earlier in the campaign.
Odegaard picked up a two-month ankle injury, which had fans clamouring for his return when the side’s form turned poor as a result.
His return saw a small uplift, but his numbers in front of goal have been in stark contrast to previous seasons.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | 5 | 11 |
Rice’s move into a more advanced role has certainly alleviated some of the responsibility that fell the way of Odegaard, but it hasn’t removed it entirely.
All of that will be forgotten, though, should he manage to turn up when it truly counts against PSG.
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