Mikel Merino and Declan Rice applaud the arsenal fans (Photo by David Ramos / Getty Images)
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino praised the “finishers” of the Mikel Arteta team who can come and have an impact on the bench.
However, the Spanish international also admitted that a problem with such a large team is that no one really wants to spend a lot of time on the bench.
Merino, speaking in the mixed zone after the Bilbao sports match, clearly referred to Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, who both came to score and help the two goals from Arsenal.
However, Merino also admitted that each player wanted to play, so it will be interesting to see how he and others react if his playing time is limited during the campaign …
? “I’m not going to lie …” – Mikel Merino talks about having so much competition in this Arsenal team now …? pic.twitter.com/njdiyh9jjx
– Kingingoffside (@caughtoffside) September 20, 2025
Mikel Merino playing an important role in Arsenal, even if he is never likely to be a regular starter
Merino had a decent impact since he joined Arsenal of Real Sociedad last season, and he continues to shine for his national side.
The 29 -year -old is able to play a variety of different positions, which should serve him well in terms of playing time this term.
However, Charles Watts recently discussed his role in his exclusive chronicle for Taken into accountAnd suggested that he could not see Merino being a starter very often, because he is not clear how much he integrates into the tactical configuration of Arteta.
“I think he is an underestimated player and he receives a lot of unfair criticism. Many people wrongly consider him a defensive player and we saw this in the reaction to his inclusion in the departure XI in Anfield before the international break,” said Watts.
“Like the others, I would have preferred to see someone as Ebelechi Eze start this day against Liverpool. Playing the merino with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimenddi felt as the conservative option in terms of creativity of the midfielder, but there is no doubt that he offers a serious threat.
“I think the biggest problem with him as regards Arsenal is that he is still not really clear exactly what type of player he is with regard to the system that Mikel Arteta plays.
“When he is chosen in the midfield, we very rarely see him drifting in the type of space which allows him to obtain the kind of chance that we saw him so well finished against Turkey.
“So maybe if Arteta wants to make the most of him, he must find a role that gives him a little more freedom in and around the box.
“In a realistic way, I don’t really see it happening unless it is used as an attacker, that’s why I never really see Merino being a regular starter in this team if everyone is in good shape.”
