Mikel Merino starred for Spain in their last encounter against the Netherlands. As of writing this article, La Roja will play host to the same opponent tonight. In the first encounter on Thursday however, they left it late to snatch a draw courtesy of a late goal from Merino, and that was the Spaniard’s second goal in five days for club and country. For a few weeks prior, he has been our go to man at center-forward. Unfortunate season ending injuries to both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus meant that we needed to improvise for the rest of the season. Also, injuries to key wingers such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli at the time further pressed the need for an unorthodox solution.
Up stepped Mikel Merino who has been our false 9 since his return from Dubai in February. In the seven games since for Arsenal, he has contributed a pretty respectable total of four goals and the solitary assist. His presence – especially in the air – has proved vital in both boxes as we’ve rarely missed the aerial presence of Kai Havertz in the squad. His link up play has gradually improved as well especially when dropping off into familiar surroundings in the midfield. All things considered, the midfielder has been quite impressive up top. Mikel Arteta and the player as well have been praised massively. Arteta, for his willingness to gamble on him in that position and Merino as well for trying his maximum to adapt.
As much as the praise has been deserved, it doesn’t take away the player’s limitations in that role. Asides from the unfamiliarity, his pace has been a let down. I gained some new found respect for Kai Havertz after watching the Spaniard in recent weeks, the engine possessed by the German is quite impressive. Merino’s lack of pace has been the most telling in our press, we haven’t been as efficient nor aggressive with him in that area and that has been due to his lack of pace. Furthermore his athleticism has also been a limitation but that is mainly due to the position he’s operating in. He’s way more robust in midfield!
Given these limitations along with some factors I’ll get to in a bit, it might be wise – in my opinion – for Mikel Arteta to utilise him in a different way to get the best out the player. Mikel Merino will be an even more important asset if we deploy him from the bench. In doing so, we might have to depend on either one of Gabriel Martinelli, Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard to occupy a central role in the meantime, before bringing on the Spaniard. The recent return of Martinelli has also coincided with calls within the fanbase to play him more centrally as an option to relieve the burden on Mikel Merino.
The biggest reason why he should be deployed from the bench is his knack of influencing games positively when he comes on. His latest goal came late on against Holland after being substituted just minutes before. His first goals for us as a striker even came in the same manner against Leicester City a month ago. Interestingly, that brace has made up 50 percent of his goals in that role which only further hits the point home. Due to his pace or lack thereof and inability to keep a certain level of intensity in that position for the full 90, you can further see why he should be coming on with more frequency.
That instant impact off the bench could prove invaluable against Real Madrid over the course of both legs. I struggle to see him making any real impact in those games from the start hence the conclusion. A player like Martinelli in theory should make us a bigger threat on the break, his lighting pace will also provide more in terms of actual runners in-behind the Madrid defense.
This is my opinion, I would like to get yours in the comments please Gooners!
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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We played Merino in center foward position because we were down to bare bones in the foward position. But with the return of Martinelli,he will replace Merino. Martinelli is a foward player,hence better suited in #9 role than Merino.
I agree about using Merino as an impact sub. Bring on against a tiring defense like we did against Leicester. Meanwhile I’d use Trossard centrally with Martinelli and Ethan on either side.
By the way I’m glad Havertz is getting appreciated now that he can’t play. People now can see what he brings to the team that no one else can.
You Gooners what blinded you from seeing the beauties of Delap? Sign him this summer. Too fresh like a cub. Never underestimate himself. Fearless. Not afraid to confront well established defenders. Too long years ahead of him. City nurtured that Arteta is fond of. Good height. Nurturable still. Price reasonable but not sure as i am not the payer. Me always dubious of english talent but i believe in him! Is he afterall ok to join if Arsenal’s asking pops up?
I have also been favorably impressed by Delap. He should be quite affordable as Ipswich goes down and I suspect that we could easily turn his head. It could be the steal of the upcoming transfer season imo.
But Arteta loves to buy overpriced average player or some Chelsea discard. Then keeps crying in winter transfer window for lack of fund. The checkbook manager does not believe in practical solutions, he is self obsessed with his inverted LB and side ways passing game.
I don’t think we need a striker cuz we have them in abundance. I think we’ll need LB and LCB to replace Tieney and Kiwior and maybe Tomiyasu
I to would like to see the club go for a fellow premier League striker The advantages are obvious.
One he must be doing well at the club we could buy him from.
Two with the said player now playing and training with better quality players his talent should start shining even more.
Three he’s already used to the rigors of the Premier League.
Something that players in other leagues would have to have adapting time.
Also a signing doesn’t need to be a big name, sometimes there are little gems if the club are willing to look for them. Don’t become obsessed with it needing to be star names all the time. 😉👍
Agree with a lot of what you wrote Derek. Ian Wright being our best example in the modern era. But then again Henri, Sanchez Giroud and Aubamayang all came from outside English football. They are a mixed bag of players with something to prove and in most cases inspired signings. However I can’t imagine Arteta being sharp enough to identify any one of these successful strikers.
Your article makes a lot of sense and I agree with everything you said but unfortunately Arteta is too stubborn and won’t do it no matter what just watch they space!