Mikel Arteta has been advised to to take the Arsenal captaincy away from Martin Odegaard by Mark Lawrenson who has named the best alternative
The Norway international has been a central a part of improvements the Gunners have made under Mikel Arteta following his arrival from Real Madrid.
Odegaard took on the armband on a everlasting basis three years ago and has led his side by example, exhibiting all of the qualities Arteta demands from his players each on and off the pitch.
The 26-year-old has, nonetheless, endured a difficult season that was derailed by an ankle injury that required surgery in September.
After returning to fitness Odegaard has struggled to to regain his best form and was again subdued in Tuesday’s damaging Champions League semi-final first leg defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
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And with Declan Rice’s influence growing along with his teammate’s decline, Lawrenson believes it’s time Arteta made a decisive change.
‘The captain’s armband must be taken away from Martin Odegaard, so he can get back to specializing in his performances,’ said the previous Liverpool defender.
‘Everyone knows that he’s a superb player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.
‘In case you gave Declan Rice the armband as a substitute, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham.
‘I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can deal with improving his performances.’
Despite appearing to be facing an not possible task Arsenal remain optimistic of mounting a comeback that will secure only their second ever appearance in a Champions League final.
Speaking after the primary leg, midfielder Mikel Merino said: ‘It was a troublesome game.
‘Every minute counts, and in the primary 10-Quarter-hour possibly we didn’t perform at the extent we’re used to, but I feel the team recovered rather well from the goal.
‘We showed a number of character and personality, and we almost dominated the remainder of the sport.
‘We all know we now have a very good team, a strong team, and we’re really confident that we’re going to win the second leg.
‘I feel individuals are optimistic. We all know that what we showed today is just the start of what we’re, and clearly really confident, really stuffed with power for the second leg.
‘I feel what we’ll learn is that we’re in a position to dominate any team, anywhere. This can be a team that basically desires to be the ball the entire time, really wants to maintain you in your box.
‘Today we proved that we are able to play against anyone and be the major team on the pitch. Today showed us that we’re really able to performing anywhere. We will’t wait to go to Paris.’
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