Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Paul Merson has acknowledged that Martin Odegaard has proved him wrong with his stand-out performances this season.
The Norwegian had an average loan stint with the Gunners during the back end of last season, bagging just two goals and two assists from 20 appearances.
Despite this, the Gunners pressed ahead to sign him permanently from Real Madrid. This led to surprise among some fans and pundits.
Odegaard made a slow start on his return to the Gunners, but his form has been pretty consistent since December as he has cemented the number 10 role.
The 23-year-old currently has five goals and four assists from 27 outings but has been instrumental in several other goals with his excellent build-up play.
Merson previously branded Odegaard as a ‘lazy signing’, but has now made a U-turn on his comments.
He told 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.”
Odegaard was in-and-out of the line-up at the beginning of the campaign, with manager Mikel Arteta often preferring Emile Smith Rowe ahead of him.
There were questions how both players could fit in together, but Arteta has found a solution lately with Smith Rowe operating from the left side of the attack.
Odegaard is now regarded as an undisputed starter and has built a strong understanding with the players around him, which was hardly the case last season.
At 23, he is entering the prime of his playing career and should only get better. Odegaard has chipped in with goal contributions, but there is room for improvement.
The playmaker has the knack for getting into excellent scoring positions for the club but has been hesitant to shoot. He has tended to search for teammates around.
Odegaard scored early in the Gunners’ 3-2 win over Watford last weekend. He has the chance to play a key role in Sunday’s home game against Leicester City.
Arsenal are two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table, but have their Champions League destiny in their own hands, having played four games less.
