Mikel Arteta sends Arsenal dressing room clear message after naming Martin Ødegaard captain

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have settled on Martin Ødegaard as the club’s new captain.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has settled on the skillful Martin Ødegaard as the club’s captain following the departure of Alexandre Lacazette to Lyon earlier in the summer.

The decision to name the Norway international captain is a reward for all his hard work and professionalism since he signed on from Real Madrid permanently last summer.

Martin Ødegaard #8 of Arsenal runs a play during the Florida Cup match (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)Martin Ødegaard #8 of Arsenal runs a play during the Florida Cup match (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Martin Ødegaard #8 of Arsenal runs a play during the Florida Cup match (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last season, he was one of the top performers for the Gunners with his exceptional passing range and overall discipline making him one of the faces of the team even during the difficult end to the campaign.

The former Real Madrid man averaged 44 passes per game during the 2021/2022 campaign, one of the highest across board, scored seven goals from 21 shots and created four assists as the Gunners came mighty close to Champions League football.

Mikel Arteta has been given the mandate to try and shape this team into one that is quite young and competitive, and the fact that the 22-year-old has been named as captain is proof that the manager is not afraid to make the big calls when he feels it’s right.

The dressing room would have taken note with more senior players overlooked for the prestigious leadership role.

Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring Arsenal’s 1st goal during the Florida Cup match  (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring Arsenal’s 1st goal during the Florida Cup match  (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring Arsenal’s 1st goal during the Florida Cup match (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s strong preseason continues with new signings looking sharp

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Gunners have enjoyed a really good preseason where they have won every game except the Brentford game which was played behind closed-doors at Arsenal’s training centre at Colney London.

The addition of guys like Gabriel Jesus, who has already scored goals during preseason and Oleksandr Zinchenko who can play in multiple roles has increased expectations going into the season.

There have been outgoing players too, including Matteo Guendouzi to Marseille, Alexandre Lacazette to Lyon and Auston Trusty on loan to Birmingham City which has helped shape the squad into a perfect team going into an important season.

So with everything pointing to a fascinating start for the Gunners, a contrast to the three straight defeats they suffered at the start of last season, fans will hope that they are able to  press on and get the club back to where they belong come May next year.