Merson says he's changed his mind on one Arsenal player, he's 'very good'

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has changed his mind on Gunners midfielder Martin Odegaard.

The Highbury icon admits he “didn’t really see” how good a footballer he was when he first joined Arsenal.

Now, Merson has acknowledged that Odegaard is a “quality player” with great vision and movement.

The 23-year-old has been in impressive form lately, pulling the strings in midfield for Arsenal.

Although Odegaard been playing behind Alexandre Lacazette, he’s not been operating as a traditional No. 10.

The Norwegian has been dictating the play from a deeper position, showing great ball control and passing accuracy.

Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021.

The Gunners then signed him permanently in summer.

It has taken a while for Odegaard to acclimatise to life in England and the Premier League, but he’s now shining.

And Merson is loving what he’s seeing from the talented playmaker.

“Odegaard has really come to the party now,” he wrote on Sky Sports.

“He is a very good footballer. I didn’t really see that at the start of his time with Arsenal, but I really see it now.

“He’s a player that sees things very quickly and he has great movement. He is a quality player.

“I think it did take him a while to get going and settle into life at Arsenal.

“He probably hoped things would work out for him at Real Madrid.

“But now he’s at Arsenal, and he’s seen what a club it is, and it’s a move that’s worked out for both parties.”

Odegaard finally realising his potential, with Arsenal the beneficiaries

In his youth, Odegaard was the very definition of a wonderkid, boasting talent that defied his years.

Although his Bernabeu move didn’t culminate in him becoming a regular, it nonetheless showed just how talented he is.

You can understand why Odegaard might have struggled a bit last season.

It can’t have been easy for a young player moving to a new country on loan during a global pandemic.

In addition, playing in empty stadiums without fans will never feel right.

Now, Odegaard is on Arsenal’s books, playing in front of fans, much more settled and developing into a world-class player.