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Mikel Merino unexpectedly became Arsenal's "false number 9". |
When Mikel Arteta faced an injury storm in attack with the absence of Saka, Havertz, Martinelli (recovered), and Gabriel Jesus, the Spaniard had to think of a breakthrough solution. And it was in that difficult moment that Arteta found Mikel Merino, a Spanish midfielder with a creative and sophisticated playing style.
However, what is worth mentioning here is that Merino did not play in his usual position, but was tested in the role of "false 9", a completely new challenge.
The change is full of surprises
No one expected that a central midfielder who often coordinated and organized the game could become a "killer" in front of the goal. But it was this bold change that made Merino shine brightly, scoring 4 goals and 1 assist after only 522 minutes of play, an average of a goal every 130 minutes.
In a challenging season, Merino proved that he is not only good at playing in midfield but also good at scoring goals, bringing important victories for Arsenal. This is something that Arteta could not have expected.
Before Merino was tested as a false nine, he was primarily known as a central midfielder with the ability to control the game and distribute the ball skillfully. However, with Arsenal facing a lack of key strikers, Arteta decided to test Merino as a striker. And the results could not have been better.
The match against Leicester marked a milestone in Merino's career when he came off the bench to score both goals in Arsenal's 2-0 win. This was the first match Merino played in the "false 9" position, and he proved that he could do the job of a striker well.
Since then, Merino has continued his impressive form, scoring four goals and assisting one in Arsenal’s big games. He has mastered the role despite never having played as a striker before, and has even outscored big stars like Raphinha (3 goals), Kane (3 goals), and Lautaro Martínez (3 goals) in the short term.
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In Arsenal's 1-0 win over Chelsea, Merino scored. |
In the tense Premier League derby against Chelsea on March 16, Merino once again showed his scoring instinct. A precise corner kick from Martin Ødegaard was delivered to Merino, who headed the ball beautifully at the near post into the net of Robert Sánchez, giving Arsenal a valuable 1-0 victory.
This is a clear demonstration of Merino's excellent adaptability when playing as a striker. Despite being only a central midfielder, with his sophistication and intelligent movement, Merino did his job well. He even almost scored a second goal in the 62nd minute, but the Chelsea goalkeeper promptly saved the goal right on the goal line.
Since taking on the role of striker, Merino has scored more goals than the world's top strikers. Raphinha, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Lautaro Martínez, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr. have all failed to match Merino's impressive scoring record in the "false nine" role. Not to mention, other teammates such as Declan Rice and Ødegaard at Arsenal have also scored fewer goals than Merino. This further confirms that the former Real Sociedad midfielder has not only adapted to his new role, but has also thrived in it.
In an Arsenal squad in need of change and excitement, Merino has emerged as a fresh force. He is no longer just a defender or playmaker, but has now become a real threat to the opposition goal. With his intelligent movement and impressive goalscoring ability, Merino has established himself as one of Arteta’s indispensable players.
Real Madrid will have to pay special attention to Merino
Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Merino for the way he has approached his new role. The Spaniard said: "It's incredible that he is helping the team win in a position he has never played before. He has a great approach in a difficult situation. He always wants to understand everything and is always self-critical to improve. This is the spirit I always want to see in a player."
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Merino is a threat to Real Madrid. |
Not only has Merino excelled in his new role, he has also shown humility and a desire to learn. In an interview, Merino shared his feelings about playing as a striker: "The striker position is really different from what I'm used to. Although it's difficult, it's also very interesting for me. I've learned a lot, especially creating space for my teammates and always being present in hot spots. I'm still trying to learn and I think I've done quite well so far."
With his current form, Mikel Merino will certainly be one of Arsenal's most notable players in their journey to conquer the Champions League. In the quarter-finals, Arsenal will face Real Madrid, and Merino will certainly be a factor that the Spanish Royal team cannot ignore.
With his impressive scoring ability and versatility in many positions, Merino could be one of Arteta's powerful weapons in this match. For Real Madrid, aerial combat is becoming a "weak point", causing the club to often concede goals.
Mikel Merino has proven that he is not only a good midfielder, but also a great striker. Arsenal have a new star, and if Merino continues to play like this, he will be a key player for the rest of the season.
Arsenal's Champions League dream could well come true, and Merino will surely be a key player in that promising journey.
Source: https://znews.vn/mikel-merino-number-9-ao-khien-chau-au-phai-chu-y-post1538894.html
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