‘He takes it very personally’: The reason behind Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal form has been revealed
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has started the season in fine fashion and it might well be to do with a key turning point last year.
Odegaard has already notched a few goals and looks like being the key link once again for Arsenal’s midfield and attack.
However, over time, Odegaard has had to battle with outside noise from some around both his suitability as a captain and also his place in the team in general.
Now, though, he looks to have silenced any doubters and according to journalist James Benge, Odegaard took particular issue with his leadership being questioned.
Why Martin Odegaard took questions over his captaincy personal
There is no doubt that Martin Odegaard is the leader in this Arsenal team. He might not be a Tony Adams or a Patrick Vieira, but he leads through his quality and professionalism.
Still, his captaincy has been questioned and it’s now been suggested that behind closed doors, Odegaard took things to heart.
“We’ve seen so often Arteta has been given the chance to talk about Odegaard, and he’s framed it in that personal way, hasn’t he? He said, look, the fitness is there,” Benge commented on the Inside Arsenal podcast.
“But this is about a player with a point to prove. I think you and I know that he heard and he was affected by a lot of what was said about him, about the idea that he wasn’t the right person to captain Arsenal. He takes that very personally.”
With Odegaard getting his hands on the Premier League title, his place in Arsenal history as one of the most successful captains is already secured anyway.
Odegaard’s quest now is to keep winning those trophies and maintaining consistency. He has a chance to become a real Arsenal legend in all honesty if he carries on.
For those who doubted or continue to doubt him, it’s time to simply keep quiet. And for those who have backed him all the way, a little wry smile won’t go amiss.