Mikel Merino has detailed how Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has matured since his youth days at Real Sociedad.
The Norwegian spent his early years in Spain as a professional, joining Real on loan Real Madrid in 2019. He made 36 appearances with the The League team, he recorded seven goals and nine assists before returning to Madrid ahead of his big move to north London in 2021.
Odegaard’s success in the Premier League saw him awarded the captain’s armband after a full season with arsenal – leading the Gunners in close title fights over the past two campaigns.
Merino, who played alongside Odegaard in Spain, believes the 25-year-old has come a long way since his days in the Basque Country.
“It’s been a long journey for him and me,” the 28-year-old told reporters. “This is just playing together again. We played maybe four, five or six years ago. I saw him as a very talented kid who was just magical in the No.10 position.
“He made my job a lot easier because he’s the one who moves really well in the pockets, spins, plays fast and for me, as a number eight back in the day, I found him a lot and he passed me better. It’s amazing how has evolved and developed.
“He’s a big man now, the captain, the leader of this club and you can hear the maturity in his voice, the way he acts, talks to people and carries himself on the pitch. It’s great to be back with him and hopefully we can continue to build this relationship and connection that we have.”
Merino made his first start for Arsenal during their disappointment Defeat by 2-0 against Bournemouth on Saturday, during which the Gunners were forced to battle with ten men afterwards William Saliba received a red card for missing Evanilson in the first half.
The Spanish midfielder played 81 minutes before being replaced by 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. Meanwhile, Odegaard is he is still not back from the injury he suffered during the September international break.
