Paul Merson says Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s ‘main man’ and admits the midfielder has proven him wrong.
The Gunners originally signed the Norway international on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, but completed a £30million deal to bring the 23-year-old in on a permanent deal the following summer.
Odegaard has gone on to become one of Arteta’s most influential players this season and is helping the north side in their push for the top four.
Merson wasn’t convinced by Odegaard during his initial loan spell, but now feels the playmaker is ‘one of the best in the Premier League’.
‘ has proved me wrong and is becoming the leader need to pass their toughest test yet,’ Merson told the.
‘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 , 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. The way he’s turned it around people are looking at him now and fair play, he has done very, very well. He always wants the ball and knows how to use it. That’s leadership too.
‘I take my hat off to him because he’s top, top drawer. One of the best in the Premier League in my opinion.’
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