Inside the Arsenal leadership group pushing Mikel Arteta's men in title bid

View 3 Images

Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal to the top of the Premier League - and never had so many leaders to take them there. The Gunners boss has built the strongest squad of his six-year reign and has made a point of making sure there are plenty of characters within the group.

Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka , Declan Rice , Gabriel and Mikel Merino are in Arsenal ’s leadership group as five very big personalities in the dressing room. They actually staged a vote on the captaincy and Arteta has already revealed that Odegaard kept the armband by “100 miles” because he is the leader.

Saka appears to be next in line to wear the armband when Odegaard is out injured and maybe outsiders do not realise just how much other players look up to him.

For a certain generation of Arsenal fans, Saka reminds them of club legend David Rocastle as he plays on the right, is their favourite player and is so skilful and talented. He is such a big personality and character at the club.

Furthermore, Saka leads by example. He was part of England’s leadership group under Gareth Southgate and is undoubtedly captain material for club and country in the future.

Rice has worn the armband for England even though he has not started a game as captain for Arsenal. Merino is such a popular figure and, despite not being a nailed-on starter, is a brilliant teammate, he speaks well and has a voice packed with Spanish stars.

Gabriel has worn the armband on a fairly regular basis and his importance to the team cannot be underestimated. He is already the highest-scoring defender in the Premier League since his arrival in 2020 and his goal against Atletico Madrid in midweek elevated him into Arsenal’s all-time list of 100 top scorers.

It is well known that Gabriel Jesus, recovering from a long-term knee injury, has also been in the group in the past while Jurrien Timber makes a strong case as the best full back - right or left - in the Premier League based on current form.

View 3 Images

They also have established internationals like William Saliba, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz with experienced names such as David Raya , Ben White , Kepa Arrizabalaga and Riccardo Calafiori.

Arsenal even signed a well-established club captain in Christian Norgaard when they bought the Denmark midfielder from Brentford last summer.

Now, Arteta looks to leadership skills as a prerequisite of any new signing when Arsenal try to being new players in.

After years of being accused of not having enough leaders after the era of Tony Adams and Co, Arsenal now have a wealth of captain material.

View 3 Images

And leadership groups have never been so important for Premier League clubs and international teams even in modern dressing rooms.

It gives the players a voice, leadership and also a togetherness which is so important both on and off the pitch.

And if you look at the way Arsenal’s season is shaping up, they are being led in the right direction.