Paul Merson reveals which Arsenal star has proved him wrong

Updated: July 25, 2022 at 9:29 pm GMT+1

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has admitted that he has been proven wrong by Martin Odegaard.

The 23-year-old was signed by Arsenal on a permanent basis in the January window.

Odegaard has re-joined an Arsenal attack that is becoming increasingly reliant on young talent.

All of Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are 21 or under, making Odegaard the oldest of Arsenal’s burgeoning young attacking talent.

Of late though, it has been the Norwegian that is really making Arsenal’s attack tick.

Paul Merson on Martin Odegaard

And now, Paul Merson has admitted that he has been proven wrong by the former Real Madrid midfielder:

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

"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.”

Merson also discussed Odegaard’s stint at Spanish powerhouse real Madrid: "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. 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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