Mikel Merino’s youth coach may have robbed football of one of its great modern strikers, but Mikel Arteta still has time to put that right.
The Spaniard’s hat-trick against Turkey takes his tally to four goals in this international break alone.
Impressive, yes, but what should truly catch the eye is that Arsenal’s 2024 summer signing now boasts six goals in six games for Spain in 2025.
And these numbers are not unfamiliar.
When Kai Havertz was sidelined in the second half of last season, Merino stepped up as Arsenal’s makeshift striker.
In 12 games leading the line, he bagged six goals, proving he is more than capable of delivering in the final third.
Though recognised as a midfielder, anyone watching the 29-year-old closely would agree he is tailor-made to play as a target man with false nine qualities. He is instinctive in the box, carries real presence, and finishes with composure.
Arsenal’s midfield is packed
With Eberechi Eze now in the fold and Ethan Nwaneri pushing for minutes, Merino may find his path blocked in the middle of the park.
But up front? That is a different story. As Viktor Gyökeres’ alternative, he offers a unique profile, technical, intelligent, and lethal.
Everyone knows this Arsenal side is crying out for a reliable source of goals. And while Gyökeres may be the headline act, Merino could quietly become the Gunners’ other dependable finisher.
Spanish outlet Sport did not hold back after his 10/10 showing in Spain’s 6-0 win over Turkey, where Merino scored a hat-trick, writing:
“He’s not from Tenerife, but the nickname (Chicharrero) also suits him because he scores goals like a sunflower seed. The three he scored against Türkiye were like those of a footballer who just can’t stop scoring.”
Arteta’s tactical options
Arteta loves versatility. He thrives on tactical unpredictability. So it would not be a surprise to see Merino play most of his minutes this season up front, whether starting or coming off the bench as a game-changing substitute.
If his youth coach missed the trick, Arteta now has the chance to rewrite the narrative. And if Merino’s best is still to come, Arsenal may have a striker hiding in plain sight.
Thoughts Gooners?
Daniel O
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Can’t compare his national team’s tactics to how Arteta instructs Arsenal to play. For example, in the Liverpool match, Merino did not pass to Madueke calling for the ball in the box several times if my memory serves me correctly.
Merino was following instructions I believe; different system and tactics than with his Spanish National Team.
My guess is Arteta instructed the players to go wide to the wings (Timber in that case), when creating chances to score goals, rather than centrally against Liverpool’s 2 CB’s.
It is just a difference in tactical play and production, so not really an apples to apples comparison; meaning he did it with national team, so he can do it here as well.
Merino can be the top striker Arsenal craves. He has all it takes{ he shoots equally well with his two feet, and is also good with his head.
And he has a lovely physique
Spain played with a real cf that game though. Oyarzabal from Sociedad played upfront. The question should be should Merino replace Rice or Odegaard. Rice got two assists last night for England and Odegaard got a goal and an assist for Norway. So its not a simple question basing off international performances. Then you got to factor in Eze who could play in the midfield also. Its a nice headache to have if im being honest.
For me when everyone returns and the dust has settled i think our best 11 will be
Raya
Timber Saliba Gabriel Cala
Rice Zumbendi
Odegaard
Saka Havertz Eze
Then you got the pace of Gyokores and Madueke on the bench. Merino as a battering ram. Dowman with his trickery and Trossard as a fox in the box.
Let’s not confuse ourselves. Attacking midfielders score goals, and they do have good spurts in their trade. It doesn’t, however make them strikers. We can blame Goykeres for not scoring and wasting chances created for him to score, but we can’t blame Merino because he’s not a striker. Fabrigas was not, Ramsey wasn’t, just as Maradona wasn’t.
Mohlanka
But Merino played striker during Havertz’s injury absence and his stats were no markedly inferior to those of any top striker