Few would believe it earlier this season, when there were questions about wisdom for his signature, but Mikel Merino faces Paris Saint-Germain this week as one of the most important players for Arsenal’s hopes to reach the Champions League final.
The 28-year-old has excelled since he was set forward by Mikel Artesa, securing six goals and four assists in 13 games, his best performances still come to the last eighth victory over Real Madrid when he scored in the first match and set both goals in the second. News of his return to training this week comes as a big boost.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka took most of the Plaudits at Bernabeu but Merino was equally good, his contribution by rewarding his manager’s trust and calling on conversations with some who worked with him at Boyhood Club Osasuna.
“He never hides and is ready to face difficult situations,” Alfredo Sanchez, a former trainer told Heavenly in August. “He is a guy who does not feel pressure and has the personality to grow up in important games,” added Miguel Flano, a former teammate.
Merino’s appetite for big cases will be needed again against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, even if this time his task comes with a different set of tactical guidelines.
The suspension of Thomas Party means that he could be sought in midfield than before, where Leandro Trossard, a scoring of four goals in his last four games in the Premier League, is likely to begin.
Fortunately for Arsenal, Merino has excelled in both roles recently, even when nominally playing as a striker. His heat maps for his last 10 beginnings show how his positioning varies from play to play, reflecting the comprehensive offer that makes him such a tactically useful assets.
In the first match against Real Madrid, when Arsenal prevailed, most of Merino’s activity came to the last third box and the opposition. In the second, when they passed long spells defending, it fell on the lower block, mainly acting in half, but still making a decisive contribution offensively in the form of its two assists.
His tactical intelligence helped convince the arts of his potential to flourish as a makeshift striker when Kai Havertz suffered his injury. “If one can adapt to another position, it’s him,” he said in February. To quote his old friend Flano’s team, “He also has the humility to understand what every game requires.”
It all adds to a rare level of fit and versatility that Merino makes a weapon in a host of different scenarios, from play to play, but also inside games.
His appearances on the front have demonstrated his ability to act as a focal point and hunter for the purpose of the penalty box, but he can be just as dangerous by making late midfielders.
Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a 31.6m agreement in the summer
His goal in the 3-0 victory over Real Madrid combined both elements. Before incorporating Myles Lewis-Skelly’s passing beyond Thibaut Courtois from inside the box, Merino could be seen combining with the party in the center of the center, then turning and releasing the rice before continuing his run.
The unpredictability of Merino’s movement caused Real Madrid problems and could be essential in another role on Tuesday, especially given Paris Saint-Germain have already had a look at Arsenal this season facing them in the League stage when they were beaten 2-0 at the Emirats Stadium in October.
Luis Enrique’s side is stronger now, with Ousmane Dembele moving between three and their January by signing Khvicha Kvivatskhelia installed to the right. But the midfield is likely to be similar to the one used then and here can help Merino.
In the year, Paris Saint-Germain has a prominent technician in Role No 6, but Arsenal won the physical battle at that recent meeting and the added presence of Merino, who appeared only as a substitute that night, would improve an already important advantage.
Spain’s international has been partially signed for its winning ability of the duel and it has excelled since its arrival in England. Merino wins more duels and more aerial than any other Arsenal player.
The reorganization of the midfield required in the absence of the party is likely to see Rice displaced from No. 8 to No. 6, giving him less opportunity to make marauding running which have become a feature of the Arsenal game. But Merino, though not so fast, brings even more energy to the role.
Premier League tracking data show that it covers more ground than any other Arsenal player at 12.17 km for 90 minutes. It is approximately one kilometer more than Rice, placing it between teammates and the first 10 places among all the Premier League players.
His physicality could be invaluable in the opposition box, as well as in the midfield battle. The placed parts, an area with scary force for Arsenal, are one of the weaknesses for Paris Saint-Germain, a total of 15 goals accepted by dead ball situations are the 12th higher in the major Europa leagues.
Merino may be Arsenal’s best hope for capitalization. His total of 2.95 goals expected from the set parts is the third highest in the Premier League, after only those of his wounded Arsenal friend, Gabriel Magalhaes and Aston striker Villa Ollie Watkins.
Next to a figure all impressive given that he has played less than half of Arsenal minutes this season. In 0.19 goals expected from the parts set for 90 minutes, it actually ranks at the top in the compartment.
Just another field in which Merino could be crucial against Paris Saint-Germain, as he was against Real Madrid. Tuesday’s game is another opportunity to show his new importance as Arsenal continues their offer for the success of the Champions League.
