Martin Odegaard has embraced a great deal of responsibility at Arsenal both on and off the pitch.
There are a number of leaders in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad, but as club captain Martin Odegaard is very much at the forefront of that group.
It is hard to overstate the Norwegian playmaker’s importance at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal sorely missed Odegaard whilst he was injured earlier this season, and not just because they lacked creativity without his influence.
The former Real Madrid man is also responsible for orchestrating the Arsenal press, and sets an example to his teammates with his discipline and work rate. Arsenal fans believe Odegaard is Arteta’s most important player, and they are likely right about that.
Martin Odegaard reveals Arsenal dressing room instruction
Odegaard also wields influence behind the scenes in North London.
Arteta has routinely preached the importance of unity within his squad. The Spanish coach is determined that his players should live and respect one another like family.
Odegaard has his part to play in ensuring that that vision is realised.
Speaking to TNT Sports recently, the 25-year-old revealed that he has one simple rule that he enforces in the Arsenal dressing room above all others.
Odegaard stated that he demands that all of his Arsenal teammates: “Respect each other.”
Of course, it is vital that this rule is followed and respected. There will always be fall outs and clashes within a dressing room, but Arteta and Odegaard both clearly understand the importance of togetherness and squad harmony. Without it, Arsenal stand no chance of achieving their ambitions.
- READ MORE: A timeline of every Arsenal captain during the Premier League era from Tony Adams to Martin Odegaard
Odegaard’s role as Arsenal captain
The Arsenal leadership group has grown over time, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jorginho, and Declan Rice, amongst others, all having been handed various roles and responsibilities, or having worn the armband in Odegaard’s absence.
Odegaard has been described as a perfect Arsenal captain in the past, due to the example he leads by on the field. However, his admission of his dressing room expectations reveals that he is also equally willing to set high standards behind the scenes.
The midfielder also plays his part in guiding and supporting the next generation of young talents coming through at the club. Odegaard has mentored Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal, for instance, and it is telling that Arteta has entrusted the Norway international with playing such a hands-on role in the Hale End academy wonderkid’s development.
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