Martin Odegaard might be Arsenal’s captain but Rio Ferdinand has warned the emergence of Max Dowman might be bad news for him.
Odegaard has missed out with injury in recent weeks but is looking to return for the EFL Cup final this weekend.
However, with Max Dowman hitting the headlines this weekend and Eberechi Eze finding form, Rio Ferdinand believes Odegaard might struggle to get back in.
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Odegaard has been a constant for Arsenal for some time now and as captain, he’ll be wanting to play.
However, Ferdinand has spoken on the FIVE YouTube show about Odegaard potentially losing his place.
“You know Ødegaard might not get a game now. Seriously, your captain might be gone,” Ferdinand said.
“You’ve got Dowman who can play his position, Eze can play his position. Saka can play his position and go in there and go central. It’s mad.
“Saka will have a bigger season next year than he does this year trust me, stats-wise and data-wise. This year he’s been down.”
Arsenal still need Martin Odegaard
It’s easy to get carried away and yes, Max Dowman might prove the replacement for Odegaard in the longer term for Arsenal.
However, right now, they need the experience and quality that Odegaard brings.
Yes, Dowman might have more moments where he comes into the team and gets a chance to impress and at times, that might be what Arsenal need.

But in the tense run-in and with big games coming, Arsenal need the experience of Odegaard and the leadership of the skipper.
Sure, his form hasn’t been brilliant this season but when push comes to shove down the stretch, Odegaard will end up playing a vital role.
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