Martin Ødegaard

The current Arsenal captain under Mikel Arteta named as El Captiano by the abundance of his suporters is under major scrutinity as of this current moment. Critiques judge his game as a poor lack of attacking effort when he should be the driving force of this Arsenal side being their creative component. This 25/26 season he's suffered countless of injuries thats led to a significant turmoil within the fanbase. A captain coming in and out of games repeatedly is not the pleasant look for the fans that want to fight for countless of trophies. This leads to a discussion within his capitancy role, as his presence on the pitch is not present week in week out and they see other examples of capitain material like Declan Rice, who could strive to push this team forward. Yet, these claimed 'supporters' dont see the effort off the pitch, the mentality boost for his teammates, the positivity around them, the press, the role model. As an individual who has seen their side fight for titles and come ever so close to season after season, why would one even consider betraying the leading force that helped lead them towards succefull challenges. 

From grass roots to the pitch 

The Gunners' Captain had an upbringing in Drammen, Norway where his father, who is currently the manger of Lillestrom in Norway, had coached Martin throughout his youth. This allowed his progression as a professional footballer be dramtically fast with a international cap from the age of 15 for Norway. This gained masses amounts of traction from big clubs like Real Madrid who went on to sign the young talent for RM Castilla at the time for a small fee of €2.8 million. He progressed efficiently in the B side of Madrid that gained hus support with the Madristas to allow to move forward with the first team. In the 14/15 season, Odegaard made his debut for Real Madrid's first team where he accumulated a total of 32 minutes and had 26 touches on the ball. However, these minutes were cut short, as the competition for the first team was extreme, as the likes of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luca Modric was the competition. This led to loan moves being the best option for Martin Odegaard that accumulated to a total of 4 loan moves before returning to the first team for Real Madrid. The loan moves included; SC Heerenveen, Vitesse Arnhem, Real Sociedad, Arsenal F.C. The initial loan move at Arsenal was in the January transfer window of the 20/21 season for €2 million as a loan fee. This loan move trippled the Norgegians minutes and doubled his appearances. Even though, Martin received both an ankle and a calf injury during that season it managed to impress the Arsenal board who then went onto sign him for the following season for €35 million and €5 million in add-ons.