Mikel Merino could hold key for Arsenal against Paris Saint-Germain, whether he plays as a striker or in midfield.
Few would have believed it earlier this season. When there were questions around the wisdom of signing him.
Mikel Merino faces Paris Saint-Germain this week as one of the most important players to Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final.
The 28-year-old has excell since being put up front by Mikel Arteta, providing six goals and four assists in 13 games, his best displays yet coming in the last-eight win over Real Madrid. When he scored in the first leg and set up both goals in the second. News of his return to training this week comes as a major boost.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka took most of the plaudits at the Bernabeu. Merino was just as good, his contribution rewarding the faith of แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ his manager and calling to mind conversations with some of those who worked with him at boyhood club Osasuna.
“He never hides and is willing to confront difficult situations,” Alfredo Sanchez, a former coach. He is a boy who doesn’t feel pressure and has the personality to step up in important games,” add Miguel Flano, a former team-mate.
Happily for Arsenal, Merino has excell in both roles lately, even when nominally playing as a striker. His heat maps for his last 10 starts show how his positioning varies from game to game, reflecting the all-round offering that makes him such a useful asset tactically.