The Arsenal legend Ian Wright has proposed that Mikel Merino fits a strong role in the “number nine” that he has filled in the past few weeks and even take attributes with them that Kai Havertz does not do.
The Gunners had no striker when Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were both excluded by injuries for the rest of the season, which caused Mikel Areta Merino to continue playing forward.
The Spanish international scored four goals as a deputy, including the winner on Sunday against Chelsea. But Wright explained that it was more than just goals to serve the team.
“What we saw is that he is a very intelligent player” Matchday live Nachlear report.
“If you watch him and he connects the piece at the time [the ball] Come to him – I saw it again when they played PSV – he is so composed and knows where he happens.
“This is exactly what Arsenal needs to keep the ball in it [attacking] third. It is something we don’t do well because we have no focus. Kai Havertz is also not this player, where he links the game how Merino can. Merino does it that he can hold it and you can join him. Then we suddenly play a little further up. “
Merino himself also appeared on the show and revealed that he had the feeling of adapting well to the new role that he asked.
“It is much different than midfielder, but not one [natural] Striker I don’t feel this pressure as I should score in every single game, ”he commented.
“The main thing for me is to help the team in small details to position the press in order to position myself in the best places so that my teammates are better, maybe if necessary to give some peace with the possession. It is different from what I am used, but I think I have adapted very well.”