Opinion: Determined Merino forcing his way into Arteta’s plans

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·16 septembre 2025

Opinion: Determined Merino forcing his way into Arteta’s plans

One can hardly argue with the fact that Mikel Arteta now commands one of the strongest squads Arsenal have ever assembled.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given believes this team is strong enough to win the league, and it’s difficult to disagree.

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But while the squad depth is enviable, not many would relish being in Arteta’s shoes. With a wealth of quality comes the challenge of selecting the strongest XI while keeping everyone happy.

At times, Arteta will have to make tough decisions, such as who starts and who sits on the bench. And one of the players likely to complicate these team selections is Mikel Merino.

Looking at Arsenal’s midfield options, few would have predicted the Spaniard playing a key role this season. The arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze were expected to push him down the pecking order.

Yet Merino has refused to fade. His standout performances on international duty, including a hat-trick, followed by a brilliant display against Nottingham Forest, highlight a player determined to fight for his place and doing a fine job of it.

Zubimendi & Merino (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

Merino Stood Out Against Forest

Former Gunner Adrian Clarke was full of praise for Merino’s underappreciated showing on Saturday afternoon:

“I do want to have a quick word on Mikel Merino, Zubimendi’s midfield partner.

“I thought he had a really good game. Perhaps a bit of a surprise selection ahead of Declan Rice – certainly with Athletic Club on Tuesday in mind – but he was every bit as good as Rice would’ve been, in my opinion.

“Some amazing numbers from him, as always. He’s a machine. We know about his goals – he’s a good finisher and scored loads for Spain during the break – but he covered 12.38 kilometres in this match, the most of any Arsenal player.

“He made 353 intensive runs. That’s not easy over 90 minutes. Again, a team high. He also won possession back on eight occasions, whether in central midfield or during the final 20 minutes when he was pushed up front.

“So yes, he showed his worth. I thought it was a smart selection from Arteta, and he repaid that faith.”

Arteta’s decision to bench Declan Rice in favour of Merino against Forest, and the fact that levels did not drop, speaks volumes about the strength and versatility of this Arsenal side.

Now, it’s all about finding the right balance, knowing when to rotate and who to trust in key moments.

Merino has risen to the occasion, and one would hope fellow Gooners see him as an example of grit and determination.

Because if Gabriel Martinelli can channel that same hunger to stay relevant, there’s no reason he can’t turn things around and make a statement at Arsenal.

What are your thoughts on Merino Gooners? Should he make the starting XI more often?

Daniel O

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