Paul Merson has admitted that Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard has proved him wrong this season.
The Norwegian international spent the second half of last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium from Real Madrid before sealing a summer transfer, a move that Merson wasn't impressed with at the time. Writing for The Daily Star, he said: "Martin Odegaard has proved me wrong and is becoming the leader Arsenal need to pass their toughest test yet.
"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.
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"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." The 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent run of form for Mikel Arteta's side, notching five Premier League goals and providing a further three league assists.
The Gunners now sit fourth in the current league standings, three points ahead of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur - who have also played an extra game. And Merson thinks that Odegaard's consistency have helped him become one of the best players in the English top-flight.
The Englishman added: "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."
