Odegaard - Arsenal's quiet 'captain marvel'

Mikel Arteta's decision to name Martin Odegaard as Arsenal captain in July 2022 was met with some scepticism at the time, but it has proved to be a stroke of genius.

The 25-year-old has led by example both on and off the field and could become the first Gunners captain to lift the Premier League title since Patrick Vieira in 2004.

Since arriving at Emirates Stadium from Real Madrid in January 2021, initially on loan, Odegaard has made a huge impact in north London.

BBC Sport looks at how the influence of Odegaard, who also captains his country Norway, has continued to grow during the Gunners' title-chasing campaign.

A decade ago, it was Arsenal boss Arteta who captained the Gunners for two seasons until his retirement in 2016, making him one of the best judges of character for assigning Odegaard to the role.

The Norwegian took over following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and interim captain Alexandre Lacazette.

When Odegaard was appointed skipper, Arteta said: "What I've seen over the past 18 months since he's been with us, he's represented the values of this football club, the team, the team-mates and the staff in the best possible way.

"He's also the captain of his national team and I think it was the right call, and I'm proud to announce that because I think he's a really good person to deliver that commitment to the club."

But it was a decision that came as a surprise to some supporters.

"I was a bit taken aback, purely based on his age," says Arsenal fan and YouTuber Pippa Monique.

"At 23, we are usually supporting one of our newest Hale End graduates on their first full senior season. But we have seen the major uplift in team performance, results and morale since Odegaard has sported the armband. Long may it continue and improve."

Odegaard has been a shining example for his team-mates to follow this season, with the playmaker contributing eight goals and eight assists in the top flight.

And he has led by example when necessary, scoring the opening goal in four Premier League matches this term.

The Norway international also stepped up to score the first penalty of the shootout as Arsenal beat Porto to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years last month.

"I like to take the first kick in those shootouts, I think that's important for me to do that, and to try to make sure we start well. I enjoy that responsibility," he said in Arsenal's match programme before the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich.

Odegaard was then named player of the match in the 2-2 draw with Thomas Tuchel's side, creating the most chances (five), making the most passes in the final third (29) and an overall passing accuracy of 88%.

It is not just at club level that Odegaard's talents are recognised.

Speaking before Arsenal's goalless draw with title rivals Manchester City, their young forward and Odegaard's fellow countryman Oscar Bobb said: "It is a dream to play with Martin. Having one of the world's best number 10s next to me makes it much easier."

In the 2-0 win over Wolves last week Odegaard sealed the victory in stoppage time, finishing from an acute angle to become just the second Arsenal player to register 50 Premier League goal involvements (31 goals, 19 assists) during Arteta's tenure.

He then followed this up with a sublime performance, providing two brilliant assists as Arsenal thrashed London rivals Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates on Tuesday.

Odegaard showed his dedication to the Gunners by signing a new contract in September 2023, which will keep him at the club for another five years.

"Martin is vital to connect everything in the way we play," said Arteta earlier this season.

Asked how much Odegaard drives the team as captain, he added: "A lot. He's made huge steps. His presence, the way he is behaving himself in front of the group and the standards that he sets is outstanding."

He has become a firm favourite for the Emirates faithful, too.

Monique calls him a player "any fan and manager would want to captain their team", adding he is a "marvel talent in midfield and a calm yet authoritative figure that everyone in the team can respect".

"You can always count on Martin to motivate team-mates when heads may go down," says the Arsenal content creator.

"He is always the first to amp up the crowd, whether we are winning or at 0-0 looking for that breakthrough goal, a few fist bumps and upwards arm swings is all it takes from the captain to get the Emirates Stadium roaring again.

"Win, lose or draw, Odegaard is always the last to leave the pitch as he circles the ground to applaud every fan for their support."

If the Gunners captain can help his side successfully negotiate another hurdle in the title challenge across north London at Tottenham on Sunday, that admiration from fans, team-mates and his manager will only continue to grow.