Arsenal urged to strip Odegaard of captaincy to win PL

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams has sparked a major leadership debate by urging Mikel Arteta to replace Martin Odegaard as the club’s skipper with Declan Rice. Adams, who won four league titles with Arsenal, believes Rice has the qualities needed to drive the team to its first Premier League trophy since 2004. He praised Odegaard’s technical ability but argued that his leadership style lacks the steel required to edge past rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

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Speaking with the authority of a title-winning leader, Adams said Arteta must make “a really big call” this year by appointing Rice as captain. He suggested the change could free Odegaard to focus solely on his creative playmaking role. Adams even claimed Rice could mirror or surpass Arteta’s own ideals as a leader, pointing out his consistency, grit, and influence in the dressing room.

Declan Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105 million and has since become a central figure in midfield. Adams described him as a player who can play every game, inspire teammates, and lay the foundations for a title-winning side. He contrasted this with Odegaard, whose understated style, while valuable, may not be enough to guide Arsenal through the pressures of a title race.

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The timing of Adams’ remarks adds extra weight as Arsenal prepare to open their Premier League campaign with a high-profile clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford. A win would send an early signal to rivals about their title ambitions. While Adams did not question Odegaard’s footballing ability, he was firm in his belief that Arsenal’s best chance at silverware lies with Rice wearing the armband. His comments will likely fuel discussion among fans and pundits as Arsenal seek to end their two-decade wait for a league title.