Mikel Merino returned to England when Arsenal signed him from Real Sociedad in August 2024.
The Spain international’s preferred role is in the middle of the pitch. Mikel Arteta deployed him in the midfielder but also used him as a striker due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus last season. Merino scored seven Premier League goals, which was his best career record in the league.
Merino has been mainly used as a midfielder this season and has scored once for Arsenal. Arteta’s positioning decisions have benefited him with the national team.
The Gunners player scored four goals in two games for Spain in September. On Tuesday, he scored a brace and registered an assist in their 4-0 win over Bulgaria. Miguel Merino, his father, has been speaking to Cadena Ser about his son’s attacking attributes.
Merino Sr. has credited Arteta for his son’s attacking record for the Gunners and country.
“Technically, he’s a good player; he has the ability to finish,” he said.
“It’s true that at Arsenal he had the opportunity to play as a striker to replace Havertz. Arteta gave him the opportunity to be close to the box and he’s taking advantage of that, in addition to his defensive balance.”
Arteta has been able to get the best of Mikel Merinos’ goal scoring abilities. This has also been beneficial for Spain, where the player is an integral part of Luis de la Fuente’s squad.
