Arsenal legend explains why Mikel Merino is ‘exactly what Gunners need’

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has suggested that Mikel Merino is a strong fit for the ‘number nine’ role he’s been asked to fill in recent weeks, even bringing attributes that Kai Havertz doesn’t.

The Gunners didn’t have a striker when Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were both ruled out for the rest of the season through injury, leading to Mikel Arteta asking Merino to play further forward.

The Spain international has scored four goals as the stand-in striker, including Sunday’s winner against Chelsea. But Wright explained it’s more than just goals serving the team.

“What we’ve seen is that he’s a very intelligent player,” the retired star said while a pundit on the Premier League’s Matchday Live post-game coverage.

“When you watch him, and he’s linking up the play, by the time [the ball] does get to him – I watched it again when they played PSV – he’s so composed and knows where he’s passing it.

“That’s exactly what Arsenal need in respect of keeping the ball up in that [attacking] third. It’s something we don’t do well because we haven’t got a focal point. Kai Havertz isn’t that player either, where he links the play how Merino can do it. Merino does it in a way where he can hold it and you can go and join him. Then, all of a sudden, we’re playing a bit further up.”

Merino himself also appeared on the broadcast, revealing that he feels as though he is adapting well to the new role that is being asked of him.

“It’s way different to playing as a midfielder, but not being a [natural] striker I don’t feel that pressure like I should score in every single game,” he commented.

“The main thing for me is trying to help the team in small details, from the pressing, to positioning myself in the best spots for my teammates to be better, maybe drop when it’s needed to give some calmness with possession. It’s a different to what I’m used to, but I think I’m adapting really well.”