What Bukayo Saka will do in dressing room before Inter Milan clash after being named Arsenal captain

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Bukayo Saka will wear the captain’s armband when Arsenal take on Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal will travel to Italy to take on the Italian outfit at the San Siro.

Whilst Martin Odegaard has travelled with the Arsenal squad to face Inter Milan, the usual club captain will not start the match. Bukayo Saka being made skipper for the night essentially confirms that the Norwegian playmaker will be named amongst the substitutes.

Despite being just 23-years-old, Saka has captained the North London club on numerous occasions before, which is a testament to his impressive maturity.

• READ MORE: A timeline of every Arsenal captain during the Premier League era from Tony Adams to Martin Odegaard

How Bukayo Saka will act in Arsenal dressing room as captain

The Hale End academy graduate is not necessarily the most bombastic personality, but he has proven on numerous occasions in his career so far that he is not afraid to step up and take responsibility.

Saka will rise to the occasion again on Wednesday evening against Inter Milan, but he will apply his own interpretation of what it takes to be an effective captain. 

Speaking in a press conference ahead of this Champions League bout, Saka was asked if he will speak to the rest of the Arsenal squad in the dressing room in his capacity as captain.

The winger responded in typically measured fashion. He said: “I think I would if I needed to but it’s important not to overreact. There’s a lot of noise around the club. It’s important to stay calm. If I need to do that I will do that.”

Who is in the Arsenal leadership group?

Of course, Odegaard is the true leader of this Arsenal team. However, Saka is not the only alternative to have worn the armband in the 25-year-old’s absence.

Gabriel Magalhaes stood in as Arsenal captain earlier this season. Jorginho has also done so before.

On top of that, Arteta has tipped Declan Rice as a future Arsenal captain in the past. The midfielder used to be West Ham United’s skipper, prior to making the switch to the Emirates Stadium. 

Arteta is proud of the Arsenal leadership group that exists within his squad, and these players will be vital when it comes to guiding the club through tough periods throughout the campaign. Having such players who can stand up and be counted when their backs are against the wall can make all the difference when it comes to landing silverware.