Tony Adams Urges Arteta to Hand Arsenal Captaincy to Declan Rice

 

Arsenal legend Tony Adams has called on manager Mikel Arteta to strip Martin Ødegaard of the captaincy and give the role to Declan Rice. Adams argues that Rice possesses the leadership qualities the team needs and believes the change could allow Ødegaard to play with more freedom.

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His comments echo those of pundits like Mark Lawrenson, who suggest Ødegaard might perform better without the armband. However, former striker Alan Smith and others have defended the Norwegian’s leadership, pointing to Arsenal’s shared leadership model.

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Declan Rice and several teammates have publicly backed Ødegaard, describing him as a respected leader in the dressing room. Arteta has not indicated any intention to make a change.