By Martin Graham
The discussion over Arsenal’s captaincy resurfaced this week after former club captain Tony Adams suggested that Declan Rice should take over the armband. Adams argued that Rice embodies the mentality required to elevate Arsenal from challengers to champions.
Manager Mikel Arteta, however, insisted that the decision was not his alone. He revealed that the choice was supported by both his coaching staff and, importantly, the players themselves. “I asked them to vote for the captain and I got the results yesterday. By a big margin, everyone chose the same person, Martin Ødegaard,” Arteta said, emphasizing that the decision reflected the players’ view of who should lead the team on and off the pitch.
Leadership and the players’ choice
Ødegaard has held the captaincy since 2022, despite Arsenal finishing second in the league three times in succession. Adams suggested that a new captain could inspire the squad to overcome those near-misses. “Declan Rice can do that, Ødegaard can’t. Come on Arteta, make him captain,” Adams said, underlining his belief that leadership can drive a team to the next level.
Arteta countered that leadership is determined internally rather than externally. “What matters the most is how these guys feel about who needs to lead them, who will support them and push them during the game,” he explained, highlighting that Ødegaard remains the choice of the dressing room.
Testing times ahead
Arsenal begin their new campaign at Manchester United on Sunday, followed by a home game against Leeds. The schedule then features challenging fixtures against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle. Arteta acknowledged that these early matches will be a key measure of the team’s progress. “We know how small the margins are and the competition has increased with recruitment and another year together,” he said.
The manager confirmed that new signings Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi will be available for the opener, with Ødegaard set to lead the team once again, backed by the vote of his teammates.
