Mikel Merino feels at home at Arsenal and is eager to showcase his creative skills on the pitch
London: Mikel Merino is really settling in at Arsenal. He’s feeling good and thinks everything is finally coming together for him. He’s ready to show he’s more than just a tough player.
After joining from Real Sociedad for a hefty fee, he’s got a different vibe than some of the Spanish stars we’ve seen in the Premier League. Sure, he’s known for winning duels, but he’s got some creativity up his sleeve too.
Merino’s been a beast in duels, ranking high in Europe last season. But he insists he’s got skills beyond just being strong. He’s not trying to be a David Silva, but he’s got that pass-first mentality and can keep the ball under pressure.
He joined Arsenal late in August and missed pre-season because he was busy helping Spain win the Euros. His first training session didn’t go smoothly either, as he hurt his shoulder. But now that he’s played a few games, he feels like he’s turning a corner.
“Everything is starting to click,” he says. He’s getting the hang of the team’s rhythm and building better relationships with his teammates. He’s feeling the pressure that comes with playing for a big club, but he sees it as a privilege.
Merino’s been living near the training ground and enjoys downtime with his wife and their dog. It’s a nice way to unwind from the pressures of football. He’s also been playing board games to take his mind off things, which he found helpful during the Euros.
He’s into reading too, especially biographies of athletes like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He believes there’s a lot to learn from other sports, especially when it comes to details like set-pieces.
As Arsenal gears up for their FA Cup match against Manchester United, Merino is proud to wear the all-white kit for the ‘No More Red’ campaign, aimed at tackling knife crime. He feels it’s important to connect with the community and make a positive impact.
