Mikel Merino made his long anticipated Arsenal debut in the 2-0 win over Paris St. Germain in the Champions League yesterday night.
In just 30 minutes of play, Merino won four duels and two tackles. He also made three recoveries and two clearances with six accurate passes. This was in stark contrast to Thomas Partey, that made only four recoveries and three interceptions before being subbed in the 64th minute.
Arsenal gaffer, Mikel Arteta, was effusive of his praise for Merino,
“Really good, because he joined us and first session he got injured. He had only one session with us, he was ready, he was really willing to be part of this today and obviously with the injuries and changes we had to make, we believe that he was the player that could help us in that phase.”
Merino had a very good debut and the fans are eagerly anticipating when he will get an extended run with the first team.
Arteta has hinted that Merino will replace Partey
With Merino making his first appearance for the club as a direct substitution for Partey, the writing is on the wall that the Spaniard will be Declan Rice’s long term partner in the middle of the park. When Rice played alongside Partey, he featured as the left ‘8’, while the Ghanaian midfielder played as the 6. However, with Merino’s introduction to proceedings, Rice moved to 6.
In recent times, Partey has lost a spring in his step and he struggled to keep up with the pace, turning into a liability on the pitch. Merino might not replace Partey this weekend against Southampton, but I have a hunch he will be odds on to play alongside Rice, as well as Martin Odegaard, we hope, in the clash against Bournemouth after the international break.
