100% Aerial Duels Won, 100% Tackles won: Gunners Justified in Hyping Up Star Set to Take Emirates by Storm

By Danong

Going to the October international break, many Arsenal fans were undoubtedly eager to watch Mikel Merino play on the international stage.

The Gunner has not played much since helping Spain win the European Championship in Germany. He took an extended rest following the Euros, and when he was ready to begin his preparations for the new season, there was a lengthy transfer saga between Arsenal and Real Sociedad before the Spanish side eventually agreed to sell.

He joined Arsenal in a move worth up to £32.67 million near the end of the summer transfer window. Unfortunately, just after completing his move, he picked up an injury in his first Arsenal training session. Sidelined for a month, he returned to action just days before the October international break.

Merino made his debut against PSG, making a 27-minute cameo in the 2-0 Champions League victory over the French giants. A few days later, he made his second Arsenal appearance in the 3-1 Premier League victory over Southampton, playing 30 minutes.

Despite displaying moments of brilliance in those games, it was evident that he had not yet regained his rhythm after a prolonged absence. With a national team call-up for the October international break, the Gunner had the opportunity to build on his momentum rather than simply watching another two weeks pass by.

Fortunately, Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente gave him game time in Spain's two-nation league fixture. He played 29 minutes in Spain's 1-0 victory over Denmark and performed admirably.

Days after the triumph over Denmark, the Spain technical bench decided to start him against Serbia, and he did not disappoint. He played 65 minutes against Serbia, and statistics suggest he contributed significantly to his team's 3-0 victory.

Merino versus Serbia:

• 2/2 successful aerial duels (100%)
• 2/2 accurate tackles (100%)
• 3/6 duels won (50%)
• 26/31 accurate passes (84%)
• 1 chance created
• 1 hit the post
• 2/4 successful long balls (50%)
• 1 blocked shot

In that game, the Arsenal summer recruit demonstrated all of his remarkable qualities, including being everywhere on the pitch, dominating aerial duels, and playing accurate through balls.

Despite his potential to play the entire 90 minutes, his lack of playing time necessitated his substitution. Arsenal needs him to be at his best as soon as possible, especially since Martin Odegaard may be sidelined for an extended period of time.

It is evident that sooner or later he will be a tremendous hit at the Emirates Stadium.