Mikel Merino, a Euro 2024 winner with Spain, has finally been announced as an Arsenal player where he will play under fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta. Unlike Arteta, who struggled to make his mark at Real Sociedad, Merino has become a crucial player for the club.
Merino also played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, including scoring a 119th-minute winner against Germany in the quarterfinals. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes Merino such an effective player.
Embed from Getty ImagesMerino is a left-footed midfielder, primarily playing as a number eight in a midfield three or four.
He has also excelled in a deeper pivot role, often as part of a double pivot. His standout attribute is his ability to deliver penetrative passes, whether breaking defensive lines or threading through balls. Typically, Merino is his team’s most forward-thinking passer.
One of Merino’s strengths is his movement in the inside channels, where he often finds pockets of space to receive the ball. His well-timed runs allow him to collect passes in these areas, from Where he can showcase his forward-passing abilities. His through balls from these positions frequently create dangerous opportunities, particularly for wingers making runs beyond the defense.
Embed from Getty ImagesMerino is also adept at disguising his passes, often shifting his hips to play a through ball inside the opposing full-back. This ability to surprise defenders and connect with central teammates is reminiscent of his former Sociedad teammate, David Silva. Playing alongside Silva between 2020 and 2023 undoubtedly refined Merino’s forward-passing skills.
While he is most comfortable passing from the left, Merino can deliver equally effective passes from the right inside channel. His range includes longer passes, making his play unpredictable.
He often switches the play to the opposite winger or bends the ball back into the center forward when he drifts wide. Merino’s versatility in passing makes him a constant threat in possession.
Out of possession
Defensively, Merino is a tenacious and aggressive midfielder. He prefers to challenge early, using his body to impose himself on opponents and disrupt their play. His style of early engagement helps prevent counter-attacks through central spaces, though it can sometimes lead to fouls that at least delay the opposition’s progress.
Merino also excels in counter-pressing situations, understanding when to leave his marker to support the press or when to cover dangerous central spaces. His instinctive defensive actions often recover possession after he has lost the ball, especially when he is linking play from a deeper position. Although Merino’s passing can be inconsistent when he drops back, his immediate efforts to regain the ball often compensate for this.
Embed from Getty ImagesNumber Eight Role
Between 2018 and 2024, Merino mainly operated as a number eight for Sociedad, usually from the left side in a 4-3-3 formation. Whether in a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 diamond, Merino’s role involved making forward runs to support the wingers and linking up with a dynamic forward line. His penetrative passing and ability to unlock defenses from advanced positions made him a key playmaker for Sociedad.
Merino’s high positioning often drew out defenders, creating space for his teammates in the attacking third. In five of the last six seasons, he led Sociedad in through balls and was among the top players for passes into the final third. Even with creative talents like David Silva and Martin Odegaard around him, Merino’s contributions were crucial in freeing up attacking space.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn a 4-4-2 diamond formation, Merino’s central role allowed for more intricate passing combinations. However, with only one supporting player on the left, he had fewer chances to deliver through balls, often switching play to the right instead. Despite these adjustments, Merino remained effective in his advanced role, showing his ability to adapt to different tactical setups.
Defensive Midfielder Role
In a 4-2-3-1 formation, Merino has also played as a second pivot, partnering with either Martín Zubimendi or Asier Illarramendi. This role required him to work in tandem with his pivot partner to move the ball away from pressure and manipulate the opposing midfield. Merino’s deeper position limited his forward-passing opportunities but allowed him to demonstrate his box-to-box abilities, especially in moments when he joined the attack late from a deep position.
Embed from Getty ImagesMerino’s adaptability in both advanced and defensive roles highlights his versatility as a midfielder. Whether operating as a number eight or in a double pivot, he consistently shows his ability to influence the game both in possession and out of it.
Conclusion
Overall, Merino’s blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and defensive acumen makes him a standout midfielder. His versatility allows him to excel in various roles, whether as a creative force in advanced positions or as a disciplined presence in deeper areas. With his range of abilities, Merino will be a huge asset at Arsenal and could play a key role in their push for the Premier League title this season.
Written by Isabelle Newnham
INMR FOOTBALL 
Leave a comment