Rio Ferdinand admits he was wrong to suggest Arsenal captaincy would weigh heavy on Martin Odegaard

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he was wrong to have doubts over Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

There were widespread doubts as the Norway international was given the captain’s armband at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Yet the 23-year-old has spearheaded the Gunners to a perfect start in their opening three Premier League games, with Mikel Arteta’s side perched at the top of the table.

Odegaard netted a brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth last weekend, which has led Ferdinand to state he was wrong to throw caution over the decision to name the midfielder as the club’s captain. 

Speaking on FIVE, Ferdinand said: ‘I said that the armband could weigh too heavy on him. I said it could, there was a chance that it could. Some people, when they get the armband it changes them. 

‘He’s started the season brilliantly. As a player I really like Odegaard, last season he was fantastic.

‘He was a wonderkid from 15 years old and now he’s starting to show why. You either get the armband weighing heavily on you, or it enables you to grow and become better. 

‘Three games in it looks like it’s making him a bigger player, a bigger personality and a bigger character.’

There is plenty of promise surrounding Arsenal this season following a successful summer in the transfer market. Arteta’s side have added Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira to their ranks in the window.

The Gunners host London rivals Fulham in their next Premier League clash at the Emirates on Saturday evening.