Critics need to give Mikel Merino a break and allow him to flourish | OneFootball

In Arsenal’s recent 3-1 win over Brentford, Mikel Merino may have silenced his critics.

Some Gooners have questioned what the Spaniard brings to the table, often comparing him to players like Florian Wirtz or Jamal Musiala, who dazzle with their dribbling and creativity.

But let’s be clear—Arsenal didn’t sign Merino for his flair or trickery. Nor did we bring him in to be a primary chance creator. We signed him because of his zeal, determination, and ability to do the dirty work for the team. Merino is a duel monster, and that’s exactly what Arsenal needed.

The former Real Sociedad man shines in less glamorous but equally vital aspects of the game: winning second balls, pressing relentlessly, dominating aerial and ground duels, and excelling in 1v1 defensive situations.

Against Brentford, Merino delivered a standout performance. He won possession in the attacking third five times—a feat no other Premier League player has managed this season. Crucially, it wasn’t just about winning the ball; he released it quickly and intelligently, helping Arsenal sustain their attacking pressure.

Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

In the Brentford game, the summer signing was everywhere: breaking up Brentford’s play, recovering possession, keeping things simple on the ball, and even capping off his performance with a goal.

It was a complete display from the Spaniard, and his efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Troy Deeney included Merino in his BBC Team of the Week, praising his importance to Arsenal while remaining cautious about his long-term suitability.

Deeney remarked, “He was quality. I’m not sure if he’s going to be up to the level of Arsenal, but I’m going to give him until next year with a pre-season. He’s neat, tidy, very fluid in the way he plays. He can go as a six, he can go as an eight, he just keeps the ball ticking over really well. I bet as a team-mate he’s excellent to have in your team.”

Some Arsenal fans may need to adjust their expectations. Merino isn’t the flashiest player, but for £30m, he’s exactly what the squad needed. With each passing week, Merino is settling into the team and improving. Even at this stage, as he builds confidence and adapts to the system, he’s already proving to be a valuable asset for squad rotation and beyond.

Daniel O

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