Martin Odegaard exclusive with Guillem Balague for FourFourTwo: 'I believe this is going to be our year'

"For Arsenal, the years since have been defined less by triumph and more by proximity. Close enough to touch the ultimate success, never close enough to claim it. The club, especially in Northern Europe, has remained visible, relevant, occasionally memorable, and rarely decisive."

"He doesn't carry Arsenal's history on his shoulders. Like the rest of the team, he doesn't cling to memory or reputation, like other big clubs do to get themselves out of trouble. This Arsenal side is young, sharp and demanding."

"Odegaard is the individual who gives this Arsenal side its clarity and belief, too. The morning after a 3-2 victory at Bournemouth, in which he assisted a goal for fellow midfielder Declan Rice, he's relaxed, reflective and measured."

Martin Odegaard has become Arsenal's captain and central figure in the club's most convincing attempt to escape its history of proximity to success without claiming titles. Unlike Arsenal's past, which was defined by near-misses and reliance on reputation, the current squad is young, sharp, and demanding. Odegaard embodies this new approach, playing with clarity and purpose rather than clinging to memory. He provides the team with both tactical direction and belief, as demonstrated in recent performances like the 3-2 victory at Bournemouth where he assisted a goal. As a competitive and focused leader, Odegaard represents a generational shift for the club, moving beyond the shadow of Arsene Wenger's invincible era toward a fresh pursuit of championship glory.

Read at www.fourfourtwo.com