“A masterstroke from Arteta” Jamie Redknapp Praises Arsenal Manager for Crucial Decision With 23-year-old Star

“A masterstroke from Arteta” Jamie Redknapp Praises Arsenal Manager for Crucial Decision With 23-year-old Star. Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp has applauded Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for giving midfielder Martin Odegaard the captain’s armband. He stated that the decision “feels natural” to him and that it is a “masterstroke.”

The Gunners have experienced captaincy problems in the past. Granit Xhaka was deprived of his captaincy after an outburst against his own fans in 2019. The post was then taken over by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, his feud with Arteta caused him to be isolated from the team, and he was eventually let go in January.

Alexandre Lacazette took over as captain, with Kierney serving as his deputy. However, with both players injured, Arteta chose to give Odegaard the armband.

On Sunday, he captained the team against West Ham United in the Premier League.  He appeared to be important on the field, not just in terms of his football skills, but also in terms of commanding his soldiers.

“By bringing him into the team, they might have stumbled across a problem that’s caused Arsenal for a few years…the captaincy. Xhaka was captain for a while, didn’t really work, [then] Aubameyang, then they give it to Lacazette. It was almost that no-one wanted to be. But giving it to Odegaard, it feels right for me.”  Redknapp explained (via Mirror)

“He may not be the most vocal but when you watch him play, he organises people, he plays the right pass. He’s a lovely player to watch. You can see from Mikel Arteta’s point of view, he’s almost his manager on the pitch. It might be one where, he’s there for the future, he’s a fantastic player, a good type of guy as well. It’s a masterstroke from Arteta.” He added.

Three wins in a row for Martin Ødegaard as captain of the Arsenal. Technical leader 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ON1PluB0dS

— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) May 1, 2022

Arsenal have suffered three straight defeats against Crystal Palace, Southampton, and Brighton & Hove Albion. This puts their Premier League top-four chances in risk, as they face Chelsea, Manchester United, and West Ham in their next three games.

Arsenal, on the other hand, defeated all three opponents and is now in first place in the race for fourth place this season. They are two points ahead of their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the league table. Both teams will meet on May 12 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs, on the other hand, will face Liverpool (at Anfield), Burnley, and Norwich City. Meanwhile, the Gunners will face Leeds United, Newcastle United, and Everton.