Mikel Arteta is constructing a team at Arsenal filled with leaders and captains, as shown by the increasing number of players taking on leadership roles both at the club and on the international stage.

This week alone, two Gunners were recognised for their leadership qualities. Kai Havertz was appointed vice-captain of Germany, and Bukayo Saka continues to be a key figure in England’s leadership group, solidifying Arteta’s vision of having players who can step up when it matters most.

Kai Havertz named Germany’s vice-captain

Havertz, who joined Arsenal in the summer of 2023, was handed the vice-captaincy of Germany by manager Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the September international break.

With Ilkay Gundogan and Manuel Neuer having retired from international duty, Nagelsmann selected Joshua Kimmich as captain and chose Havertz, alongside Antonio Rudiger, as his deputies.

Despite facing criticism during Euro 2024, Nagelsmann has been vocal in his support of Havertz’s tactical contributions, praising the forward for his role in creating space for his teammates.

“Kai has a clear job in many games, which means that he doesn’t have many ball actions because he should create space for others. He did that exceptionally well,” Nagelsmann said.

“[Havertz] is ranked much higher internally than in the public assessment.”

Havertz, at 25, is now among the most experienced players in Germany’s squad, reflecting his growing leadership status.

Bukayo Saka a key figure for England

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, already one of Arsenal’s brightest stars, is also becoming a central figure in the leadership structure of the England national team.

According to a report by John Cross in The Mirror, Saka was introduced into England’s unofficial player leadership group at Euro 2024, a testament to his growing influence both on and off the pitch.

The group of five, which also includes Declan Rice, is seen as the core of England’s leadership.

“He’s now set to head the next generation of England stars,” Cross reports.

Saka started every game for England at Euro 2024, scoring a vital quarter-final goal against Switzerland and converting a penalty in the shootout.

His influence at just 23 years old highlights his growing stature as a leader for both club and country.

A team of captains

These developments align with Mikel Arteta’s broader philosophy of creating a team filled with leaders.

The Arsenal manager has long placed an emphasis on players who can take responsibility and lead on the pitch and that is seen in the transformation of the mentality around the club.

Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain, also wears the armband for Norway. The 25-year-old has been praised for his maturity and tactical understanding, qualities that have made him a natural fit as captain for both club and country.

Declan Rice, who was West Ham’s captain before his summer move to Arsenal, brings further leadership experience to Arteta’s squad.

His commanding presence in midfield and experience as a captain of a Premier League side make him a key figure in Arteta’s leadership structure.

Arteta’s strategy is clear: he wants players who not only excel technically but also take responsibility and lead by example.

With players like Havertz, Saka, Odegaard, and Rice, the Arsenal squad is brimming with leaders who can influence games on and off the pitch. And that’s before you even get to the likes of Gabriel, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and others.

Arteta has fostered a culture where leadership is expected across the entire team.

This focus on leadership seems integral to Arsenal’s future. Arteta’s emphasis on building a team of captains suggests a long-term strategy where each player is capable of stepping up and taking control when the situation demands it.

As Arsenal continue to compete on multiple fronts, the presence of these experienced and emerging leaders (Ben White, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, for example) is likely to be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.