Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has lauded Granit Xhaka after stating he is the club’s leader on the pitch – not skipper Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard, a Gunners player, was Mikel Arteta naming him captainAlexandre Lacazette was released after the last season.
It’s Swiss international, however XhakaThis term, the North London outfit has been driven by a man named ‘Mr. Arsenal Captain’, who was removed from the post during the 2019/20 season.
Brazil international Martinelli, who has waxed poetic over the 30-year old following, believes so. Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool atThe Emirates
Xhaka is often seen gathering the Arsenalafter scoring where he has given a team-talk, they are to gather as a squad in a huddle
Speak to The Athletic on what is said during the team-talks, Martinelli remarked: “What I say, I don’t remember!
“But Granit always says very positive things: to keep going, to keep the ball and try to attack in behind.
“These kinds of things. He’s the guy who always leads us on the pitch.”
Martinelli thanked Martinelli for being the FA Cup’s two-time winner last week. Tottenham wins 3-1.
He stated: “Xhaka is an amazing lad. You see how much he dedicates himself to the team, how much he cares about the match and the players as well – he is definitely one of our leaders.
“Right after our first goal against Tottenham, he calls everybody into a huddle, asking us to stay calm and saying we will score more goals.
“That’s when you see how important he is to all players. Bukayo and I are both young players. [Saka], it’s very important to have a team-mate like him.”
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League clash away at Bodo/Glimt, Odegaard was asked whether becoming Arsenal captain has changed him.
To which he stated: “I haven’t thought too much about it to be honest.
“I try to do the same things, help the team as much as possible.
“I enjoy the responsibility and just try to do the best for the team always and hopefully that’s good.”
