Paul Merson says one Arsenal player has proved him wrong, he’s ‘top drawer’

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Arsenal legend Paul Merson has admitted that he’s been proven wrong about Gunners ace Martin Odegaard.

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

Although Odegaard has 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’s efforts have helped Arsenal remain well in contention for a Premier League top-four finish.

The playmaker initially struggled at the Emirates Stadium, and it took him a while to truly get going.

Merson, writing in the Daily Star, lauded Odegaard and deemed him a wonderful player and leader.

“Martin Odegaard has proved me wrong and is becoming the leader Arsenal need to pass their toughest test yet,” he wrote.

“He is the main man there now and the first name on the teamsheet for me. He has really improved and is doing the business.

“I think the players respect him because they can see he’s a real player. I didn’t see it at first, I have to admit.

“It looked like he didn’t really want to leave Real Madrid, and I didn’t think he pulled up any trees on his loan spell at Arsenal.

“He could have sulked and lost his confidence when Madrid didn’t want him any more, but he’s playing better than ever now. He’s Arsenal’s go-to man and he makes them tick.

“He isn’t a leader in terms of running around and kicking people or barking out orders. But in terms of the way he’s playing he is.

“I take my hat off to him because he’s top, top drawer. One of the best in the Premier League in my opinion.”

Odegaard finally achieving his potential at Arsenal

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

Although Odegaard’s move to Real Madrid didn’t culminate in him becoming a regular, it nonetheless showed just how talented he is.

You can understand why he 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.