Martin Odegaard responded in the perfect manner after Rio Ferdinand raised concerns about how he will adapt to life as Arsenal captain.
Odegaard, 23, was appointed Gunners skipper this summer following the exits of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. While the playmaker is young to be entrusted with such responsibility, he has already proved his leadership ability as he wears the armband for Norway.
Nonetheless, Ferdinand feared the pressure of being captain of one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League could have a detrimental impact on the former Real Madrid prodigy. The Manchester United legend told his Vibe with Five YouTube channel : "Yep! [The captain’s armband weighs] heavy! I said that in the group chat. It could be a different Odegaard this year."
Despite Ferdinand's concerns, Odegaard is thriving as Arsenal skipper and enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, playing key roles in the victories over Crystal Palace and Leicester. He is going from strength to strength with the North London club and struck twice in the first half of Saturday evening's clash with Bournemouth.
His first goal was a simple tap-in after Gabriel Martinelli's shot was saved into his path. His second was a powerful, sweeping shot after Gabriel Jesus' touch fell kindly for him in the penalty area.
Odegaard will be delighted to have combined with Jesus after talking up the importance of his fledgling partnership with Arsenal's new No. 9. "I know that it's important that I build a good understanding with Gabriel Jesus early as well," he wrote in the programme notes for the Leicester fixture.
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"Against Palace, we didn't have too many combinations, but he did play me in for the chance in the second half. I should have taken a shot, and that would have been a great start for us together. But I think our combination play was really good in pre-season and we have a great connection in training too. I enjoy so much playing with him, so hopefully we can see more of that in the next games."
Odegaard joined Arsenal permanently last summer for £30million after an impressive short-term loan spell during the second half of the previous season. Jesus, meanwhile, arrived from Manchester City for £45million and has hit the ground running at the Emirates. The Brazilian striker scored twice on his competitive home debut for his new club against Leicester and also registered two assists in the 4-2 victory, meaning he was directly involved in all of his side's goals.
