Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has hailed ‘unstoppable’ Mikel Merino, praising the midfielder for his adaptation into a false nine.
Marca cover comments from the Arsenal goalkeeper today after an appearance on La Tribu, where he discussed various matters ahead of the international break.
The Arsenal goalkeeper will be Spain’s number one during this break as they take on the Netherlands in a double header in the Nations League quarterfinals.
The international break has come at a good time for the Gunners, who are facing increasing criticism after struggling to keep up with Liverpool in the Premier League title challenge this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have particularly struggled up front, with the failure to sign a striker in the summer and January coming back to haunt them as the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been ruled out with long-term injuries.
That’s forced Arsenal into trying out something different, with Arteta electing to put Merino as his central striker.
That’s the first time he’s moved into the position in his career, and it’s proved effective so far, with four goals and on assist in seven games since the switch for him. Raya has certainly been impressed and believes his ‘unstoppable’ teammate deserves praise.
“It was against Leicester, when he came on as a striker for the last 20 minutes and scored two goals,” he explained when asked about it.
“He’s a very intelligent player; he knows how to read when he needs to come in and catch the center backs, he’s strong, he’s very good up front…
“He’s a great player. We already know it’s not his position, that his position is playing as a false 8, that he feels much more comfortable there; but for the good of the team, he’s playing as a striker, and that’s how the manager wants it.
“And he’s helping out with goals and trying to help the team as much as possible.”
