Mikel Merino has said that having “the right mentality and approach to the game” has helped his transition into a centre-forward in recent weeks.
The Spain international, usually a central midfielder, has started Arsenal’s last three matches up front after scoring twice away to Leicester City as a substitute. That day he replaced Raheem Sterling, whose start came in the absence of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz from the frontline due to injury.
Merino scored his third goal as a makeshift No 9 in Arsenal’s 7-1 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday with a calm finish into the far corner. He confirmed after the game that, prior to the Leicester visit, he had not played as a striker since he was seven years old and in his school team.
“It is kind of crazy to be honest, but at the same time, it is about having the right mentality, the right approach to the game,” Merino said after the victory. “If the coach tells you to play one position, alright you have to take all your characteristics and put it on the table for the team.
“I am trying to adapt. I am trying to do things the best way possible and, obviously, some days will be better, some days will be worse — but the work is there every day, the grind. I am trying to improve every single day in my new position, trying to help the team. So, when good things happen, I am really proud of that.
“I have been talking with the analysts, the boss as well. I pride myself in trying to understand what happens on the pitch, not only in my position as a No 8, but also other positions of other team-mates. I think understanding what happens on the pitch in other situations also helps you in your role. So, I can understand what a striker has to do in this team.”
Arsenal had six goal scorers against PSV. Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were the others. Nwaneri’s goal was his eighth of the season, which puts him one goal away from equalling Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney’s record of nine goals before turning 18.
Asked about the 17-year-old, Merino said: “He is an unbelievable player. I have been saying it for a long time. Every time I come here, you guys ask me about him. But I won’t get tired talking about him, because he deserves it.
Nwaneri has become a crucial part of Arsenal’s attack in recent weeks (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“It is not only about his age and about how good he is on the pitch, but it’s also about his will, the intensity he puts in every single training day, the way he faces every game with the maturity that he has. Also, he has the will to learn.
“He is always willing to listen to the other guys, listen to the boss, and that’s credit to him.”
Nwaneri’s goal was assisted by fellow Arsenal academy graduate and best friend Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the pair becoming the first English teenagers to combine for a goal in the Champions League.
They are not Merino’s only young team-mates though, as he spent the summer alongside Spain and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. The winger was 16 at the start of the Euro 2024 and turned 17 the day before Spain won the final against England.
On the young talent that is coming through both at club and international level, Merino added: “It’s great, it’s fresh blood. For us, it is unbelievable for us to have these young kids with this energy, with this fresh mentality. Obviously, for the fans, it is unbelievable to see players from the academy, born and raised here, to be making these amazing performances for the first team.
“I am getting older, there is no doubt about that! Back in the day, I used to be one of the youngest on the pitch and now, when I check the opponents, I find that everyone is younger than me. It is kind of depressing sometimes! But football evolves, nowadays players come up to the first team even more ready to play at the highest level.
“My role is now more of like a teacher. I am not a teacher, but I can show some of my experience to them and the good thing about them is they are keen to learn as well.”
Arsenal’s next game is Manchester United away in the Premier League on Sunday, March 9.
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(Top photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
