Odegaard proves leadership qualities with response to Vieira incident

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard showed his leadership skills during the Gunners’ 2-1 win over AC Milan. The 23-year-old had a go at Rossoneri manager Stefano Piolo after a forceful challenge from Sandro Tonali on Fabio Vieira as he stood up for his team-mates during the friendly clash. 

Odegaard was named Arsenal captain over the summer after Alexandre Lacazette’s return to Lyon. His first season with the armband has been an unqualified success so far with the Gunners four points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The Norweigian has personally been a huge part of the team’s on-field performance, scoring six times and contributing two assists in 13 league appearances. 

He has once again demonstrated his leadership during Arsenal’s friendly with AC Milan after his team mates were on the end of some tough challenges from opposition players. One particular tackle from Tonali on Vieira brought a particular impassioned reaction as he turned to Piolo and said: “F***ing two times! It’s a friendly” as he encouraged the Milan boss to get his players to calm down. 

The incident highlighted Odegaard’s aim to look out for his team mates, a vital asset for any captain. The Norway international got himself on the scoresheet during the encounter as his side emerged as 2-1 winners, with Reiss Nelson adding a second before Fikayo Tomori pulled one back. 

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“What I’ve seen over the last 18 months he’s been at the club with us – he represents the values of this football club, of this team, of his team-mates and staff in the best possible way,” he said. “His desire and ambition to take this club to a different level, to push this team, to contribute.

“And as well the way he’s respected by everybody inside this organisation. He’s a captain as well for his national team and I think it was the right call. I’m proud to announce that because I think he’s a really good person to deliver that commitment to the club.”