"Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise onto Mikel Merino for the way he's performed up front in recent times. The Spain international arrived at the Emirates Stadium with the reputation of being a hard-working utility man in midfield, but he's shown some superb finishing when asked to fill in up front. Merino had a surprisingly good run in the team as a makeshift striker last season, and he filled in there again last night as Viktor Gyokeres was out injured."
"It's a joy to have him, I always say the same thing, Arteta said in his post-match press conference. It's his versatility on the pitch, the things that he can do. It's his mindset, it's his leadership. Today we are missing a lot of attacking players and we had to find different solutions he comes in, in the Champions League, scores two goals."
Mikel Merino has shifted from a midfield utility role to an effective makeshift striker for Arsenal, delivering strong finishing when required. The Spain international previously enjoyed a successful run as a fill-in striker and repeated that role again with Viktor Gyokeres sidelined. Mikel Arteta praised Merino's versatility, mindset and leadership, calling him a joy to have and noting his impact in a major away Champions League match. Arsenal currently face multiple attacking injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, which increases Merino's chances to play up front and influence results.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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