Mikel Merino has divided opinion among Arsenal fans since the day he joined the club.
The Gunners signed the Spaniard from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024. He may not have become the best midfielder in the world at the Emirates, but he has produced a number of excellent performances.
Despite all the noise from the outside, the Euro 2024 winner seems to be really highly rated by his teammates and Mikel Arteta behind the scenes.
A report has now revealed that Merino is a part of the Arsenal leadership group, along with skipper Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Everyone would’ve guessed the other four names on the list, but Merino’s presence has come as a real shock to some Arsenal supporters.
Arsenal fans react after hearing that Mikel Merino is a part of the leadership group
Mikel Merino has only been a part of Arsenal for a little over a year now. That is why it is such a surprise to see him in the leadership group already.
Some fans don’t agree with that decision at all, but others see exactly why Arteta has named him in the group.
One Arsenal fan tweeted: “Merino? Arteta should get the sack on this alone.”
Another wrote: “How’s Merino ahead of Saliba, White, even Norgaard?”
“Sorry, how did Merino sneak into this group?” said another.
Jumping to his defence, one Arsenal supporter posted: “People will see Merino and question it, but he’s experienced, been a captain, and he’s won an international trophy. He’s probably a big leader in that locker room.”
Another wrote: “I bet y’all are wondering how Merino got in there? Well, he’s known as a player who shows the same trait as Mikel Arteta in terms of tactics, as the gaffer once did when he graced our field as a squad member.”
“I’ve seen Merino’s post-match interviews and he comes across well and articulate. I can see how he could have an influence in the dressing room,” tweeted another.
Mikel Merino deserves way more credit than he gets at Arsenal
Merino is one of the most disrespected players in the Premier League.
The Spaniard may not be easy on the eye like a Martin Odegaard, but he is extremely efficient in the roles he plays for the team.
Some pundits have branded him as a defensive midfielder, which, as all Arsenal fans will agree, is lazy analysis and couldn’t be further from the truth.
Merino, who has directly contributed to 22 goals for club and country since the turn of 2025, deserves so much credit for everything he does.
He isn’t just brilliant on the pitch, but the fact that Arsenal have included him in their leadership group shows he is incredible behind the scenes as well.
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