Young players taking on leadership roles bring the best out of Arsenal’s squad, Martin Odegaard says. The Norway midfielder, 23, captained the Gunners as they beat Everton 2-0 in a friendly in Baltimore at the weekend.
Manager Mikel Arteta is looking to appoint a new captain following the exit of Alexandre Lacazette to Lyon. Asked about his leadership qualities, Odegaard said, “I think I’ve maybe improved that quality a little bit with the time and experience.” “I’ve been through a lot of things, ups and downs, and I think all that makes you stronger.”
Odegaard, who already captains his country, is one of several young talents at the club, including Bukayo Saka, 20, Emile Smith Rowe, 21, and Gabriel Martinelli, 21. He gained significant experience from a young age, becoming Norway’s youngest-ever senior international when he made his debut, aged 15 years 253 days, in a friendly against the United Arab Emirates in August 2014, four months after his senior club debut with Stromsgodset in his homeland.
Odegaard says he has played “a lot of games on a high level” and can “share that experience” with his teammates. He said: “I feel more confident and calmer on the pitch so I just try to use that in a good way and do what’s best for the team.”
