Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has raised concerns about Martin Odegaard’s leadership at the Emirates, pointing to his struggles to lead by example this season. Odegaard has been one of Arsenal’s standout players since joining the club and had an exceptional campaign last term. However, this season has been a different story, with Odegaard failing to deliver the kind of leadership expected from a captain of such an important club.
Odegaard’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
As Arsenal approaches another season without a trophy, Odegaard’s performance has come under intense scrutiny. Fans had hoped for more from their captain, especially during games where the team was struggling and needed inspiration. Unlike some clubs, which have captains capable of taking charge in difficult moments, Odegaard has not been able to step up in the same way this term, leading to questions about his captaincy credentials.
Sagna, while acknowledging that there may be personal circumstances at play, believes Odegaard’s influence on the club has diminished. As quoted in the Daily Mail, Sagna said:
“Although sometimes there’s more behind it. I don’t care too much about personal situations but his influence in the club will decrease.
“I don’t think the issue is due to the captaincy. Captaincy is given to a player who has good qualities and a strong personality. However, the way the games have been going – I don’t think he has been [a strong enough leader]. He isn’t as efficient as before.
“If you play without a number nine, it’s much more difficult because the captain must organise the game and a lot of the time, he is standing by himself.”
The Future of Odegaard’s Captaincy
Odegaard’s leadership has been called into question due to his inability to inspire the team in key moments this season. Despite his individual performances improving, he has not been the influential captain Arsenal needs. If his form continues to decline in the coming season, the club may need to consider a change in leadership. Whether Odegaard can rediscover his form and leadership qualities will be crucial for both his future at Arsenal and the club’s ambitions moving forward.
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Replace definitely,said it for the last few years ,not just because he’s having a bad patch .
The number 10s I’ve had the privilege to witness over the last 35 years he doesn’t even come close to top 6-7 ,he gives effort and can thread ball (no doubt,on par with Ozil)but his lack of pace and shooting ability just makes him sub par IMO .
How many goals have come from him giving the ball away and not being able to get back ?
Arsenal has to sign another creative midfielder, my stance on Leverkusen Florians is well documented.
Declan said the other day that they are happy with his leadership. The guys he shares the dressing room with always talk highly of him and that’s all that matters.His leadership was never questioned when he was playing great. I don’t see why it should be,now that he’s having a blip.
He is obviously not at the level he was in the past. But let’s not forget he was our player of the season for two years in a row (22/23 and 23/24). In 22/23 he was a strong contender for EPL player of the season and would have won it if we won the league. I don’t know what has led to his decline but I believe he’ll be back at his best after the summer break.
Onyango,
I wish I shared your belief, But I just don’t. And unfortunately no matter how good he’s been in the past doesn’t really help Arsenal in the here and now.
While I agree that a player may have a bad patch of say 5 to 10 games, there comes a time that the manager can’t and shouldn’t keep picking said player on past performances.
Odegaard’s bad patch has lasted over half the season.
And people say he’s not over his ankle injury fully, and then you have the people that say he’s become a Dad for the first time. Well he’s not the first player and he certainly won’t be the last.
And if true that either of these issues are affecting him, then he shouldn’t be anywhere near the first team, until said issues are sorted out, if indeed he has any issues.
I’m afraid issues shouldn’t be used for under performing. Your no good to yourself or indeed the team if this is the case.👍
Derek, ever thought that his wife could be suffer from Post Natal Blues ?
Who would take his place in the starting 11 ? I’ve seen people say Nwaneri, but they’ve obviously haven’t taken into account that Nwaneri hasn’t got the pace to enforce our high press.
Hopefully his ankle ligament problem is sorted during the close season, and next season he’s back to his best.
I agree he has been injured this season and if the players still support him it is surely up to them.
I’m happy for him to stay as captain, i don’t see an issue there, just because someone in the team has a perceived drop in form, doesn’t mean we should strip him of the captaincy, its not what our club is like, we stick together.
In my view lots of things have contributed to this dip in form, it could be that over the last 2 seasons, Saka and White had both played alot with Odegaard, so consistency was there and relationships were strong on the pitch, this season all 3 have had spells out injured and other players such Nwaneri and Timber ( who both have played amazing) have come in and maybe that has unsettled MO especially with guidance
i dunno, maybe its a contributing factor or it isnt
all i know is hes my captain and next season is fresh start, he’ll be back strong again