"Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has praised the finishers in Mikel Arteta's squad that can come on and make an impact off the bench. However, the Spain international has also admitted that one issue with having such a big squad is that no one really wants to spend a lot of time on the bench. Merino, speaking in the mixed zone after the Athletic Bilbao game, was clearly referencing Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, who both came on to score and assist for Arsenal's two goals."
"I do think he is an underrated player and he gets a lot of unfair criticism. A lot of people wrongly view him as a defensive player and we saw that in the reaction to his inclusion in the starting XI at Anfield before the international break, Watts said. Like others, I would have preferred to have seen someone like Eberechi Eze start that day against Liverpool."
Mikel Merino praised Arsenal's bench finishers, noting Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli each came on to create goals. Merino acknowledged that a large squad brings intense competition and that few players want extended time on the bench. The situation could test squad harmony if playing time is limited for some individuals over the campaign. Merino has contributed since joining from Real Sociedad and offers positional versatility at 29, which should help secure minutes. Some analysis questions how often Merino will start under Arteta due to tactical fit, while others describe him as underrated and unfairly criticized.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]