How does Mikel Merino influence Arteta’s dynamics? Player Scouting Report

/ Player Analysis

A deep dive on Merino’s profile, what does he bring to Arsenal and how he’s living up to Spanish standards of Midfield Excellence❗️

Firstly, let’s look at his player profile:
Age: 28
Club: Real Sociedad
Position: CM/DM/AM
Foot: Left
Nationality: Spanish
Value: €52M
Height: 6’2
Avg SofaScore rating: 7.29

Strengths: Aerial Duels, Tackling, Passing, Spatial Awareness, Passing, Versatility
Weaknesses: Discipline

Mikel Merino, often renowned for his old fashioned midfield routine – partaking in all phase actions is an experienced Spanish box to box midfielder that brings immense technicality and composure in the centre of the pitch.

A left footed technician that is comfortable playing as #6/8 hybrid and uses his on the ball prowess, versatility to play passes from anywhere on the pitch and defensively help the team out with his calm and competent nature

Additionally, he brings a plethora of experience and versatility playing different positions at his time spent at Osasuna,Dortmund and Newcastle, apart from Real Sociedad. The experience and tactical understanding in such environments of gone on to mould him into an all phase player

Merino is a player that significantly raises the level of the players around him. Believes in interchanging and make uncanny movements OTB that help in intangible aspects of the game. Comfortable in pivots and also in advanced zones of the pitch as a leader

Playstyle – In Possession:

His prime skillset coming in handy at La Real is his elite passing range. Got a variety of passes in his book where he can ping high quality passes to switch play + break the lines with loads of composure and skill

You can deploy him as an orchestrator from build up phase and you’ll see him execute precise long balls on both flanks – showcasing his 360 degree vision. Progresses the ball practically by one touch passes from the defensive third to the final third

Merino’s role of sustaining the ball helps in dominating proceedings and keep the possession flowing with his press resistant characteristics. Has the ability play long balls and overload the LHS in order to create goal creation actions- makes an impact on all phases of play

His physical presence and height makes him a real game changer in both halves of the pitch – can stop transitions and create attacks. In comparison to other midfielders in the top 5 leagues, Merino averaged 5.94 aerial duels won per90 last season contesting 9.78 aerial duels per90 – Top 1%

Merino 6’2 frame establishes his pivotal role in the a teams dynamics. An asset when it comes to set pieces, long ball situations and also in terms of box crashing. Late runs into the box to provide additional threat through crosses that does most of the talking for his xG – 0.20 non penalty goals per90 – top 8%

Playstyle – Out of Possession:

“When I lose a duel I’m upset” ~ Merino’s competent character aids him with the duels won on the pitch. He can close down gaps in opposition attacks and relentlessly press with ease. Mikel Merino was the only player in Europe’s top seven leagues to win 300+ duels during the 2023/24 season

Merino’s positional awareness is his greatest treasure. As a box to box midfielder, he constantly moves around to cut slack the danger through clever interpretations exhibit his elite understanding of the game, always in a unison knowing when to commit himself and back down.

The subtle shades of leadership + communication come quite handy when he doesn’t have the ball – often instructing teammates for movements + putting an extra mile of awareness to help the defence out by positioning himself and covering for the other aggressive movers in different areas

Slowing down the build up/transitional threat through effective pressing routines; beneficial in retaining the ball and starting counter attacks. He’s one step ahead of the opposition in terms of sensing the danger and executing his move – he’ll manage to catch the opponent lacking

Merino’s agile hips help him make swift half turns in possession and play a plethora of passes in any given angle – no angle bias. Aware of how to keep the ball in pressurised situations where he makes his mobile upper body physically able to ride challenges

Areas of improve on:

Something he struggles a bit is being consistent with his first touch – heavy touches is something that he needs refinement on. Discipline is also one aspect that he needs refinement. Overcommits in terms of winning the ball back that results in fouls or opening up spaces that he can’t recover

Fit at Arsenal:

I’d personally like to see is him playing as an LCM – as a left footed player helping in the fluidity and progression as a facilitator on the LHS making under/over-lapping runs with the LW/LB – something he’s done for Spain in the Euros. A Xhaka replacement in many sorts

He’s comfortable playing in pivots that have a controller and receiver from first phase build up. At Arsenal under Arteta with the way he deploys profiles, Merino could also play as a #6 sitting deep and dictate play in the build up and play passes forward slotting between the CBs

Rice / FB could move further forward or vice versa where they interchange roles in the pivot

A player that helps in ball progression and increase the creativity from different phases of play and let Ø advance higher – know each others play style through their time at La Real

As we’ve already spoken of him being a Xhaka replacement in terms of qualities, he can also cover Partey in lots of domains – most importantly that being of fitness and track record. Merino has missed a total of 13 games in 5 seasons, something Arsenal wouldn’t compromise on

The physicality + pressing energy and duel winning ability he has would entice Arteta in playing him frequently. Will provide valuable squad depth and be utilised in different dynamics. Station him against mid blocks alongside Timber-Rice and he’ll break it casually

Conclusion:

Mikel Merino has been one of the most underrated star shed player that deserves more recognition for the versatile profile he is. The all phase offensive and defensive shifts he puts in are of much needed value to the very best managers

Been one of the best midfielders in the La Liga for a couple of years now, might’ve not received his flowers because of the shifts he puts in silence but a different trajectory in Europe could ignite more sparks into his game. A perfect age to take up a new challenge and win something big in his career

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