Martin Odegaard was named Arsenal's new men's first-team captain prior to the Gunners' 6-0 Emirates Cup win over Sevilla.
Arsenal have finally confirmed a new club captain after Alexandre Lacazette assumed the role following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's removal from the position in December last year before sealing a move to Barcelona. With Lacazette having now returned to Lyon, Odegaard will wear the armband for the 2022/23 season following Mikel Arteta's decision.
The 23-year-old already captains his country at international level and the Norwegian's experience will aid him as Arsenal's new leading man with the club targeting a return to the Champions League. Odegaard's reign as captain got off to the perfect start with a fine performance against Sevilla as Gabriel Jesus stole the show with a hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium.
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Bukayo Saka started the rout with a goal from the penalty spot, with Eddie Nketiah coming off the bench to add a sixth towards the end of the game as the Gunners lifted the Emirates Cup ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. Speaking after the game, Odegaard said: "I'm very proud to be named captain of this amazing football club.
"Thank you very much for the support today at the stadium. We are looking forward to starting the league now, so let's go.
"Of course I was happy, proud and grateful for the trust and for him wanting me to be the captain. That’s a big achievement for me and it’s nice to be part of such a good team, so I’m going to enjoy that," Odegaard continued.
"Of course it’s important that we all take leadership, it’s not just about me or a few people but I think everyone needs to take the leadership and do what’s best for the team, so everyone has to do that."
The Gunners will be hoping for a repeat of their brilliant performance against Sevilla next week when they face Patrick Vieira's Palace at Selhurst Park. Arsenal were well-beaten in the fixture last term, suffering a 3-0 defeat and Odegaard will be hoping he can lead his team to a better result to get their 2022/23 campaign underway.
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