Arsenal complete their Champions League initial league phase campaign knowing that a point against Girona will confirmed their automatic passage to the last-16 of the competition.
Mikel Arteta’s side head to Spain boasting the second best defence in the Champions League with David Raya having only been beaten on two occasions – both from set-pieces.
Girona are sweating on the fitness of four key players heading into the game and Arsenal have been handed a fitness boost of their own as Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino have resumed training, after both missed the Wolves victory with illness.
Merino may return to the Arsenal midfield in his home country of Spain and has been discussing how his upbringing has helped to form a key attribute that is allowing him to excel at the Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal’s Mikel Merino highlights his mental toughness throughout his career
Speaking to the Arsenal official club website, midfielder Merino has been discussing his football journey and how his upbringing has led him to becoming the player he is today.
Merino has a famous footballing father, Angel Merino and has been discussing how his Dad and his coaches taught him to be tough mentally.
Merino stated: “Back in the day, when I was young, our coach – who was a really good friend of mine and the family – had a real focus on the mental aspect of football. He taught us to enjoy it, to try to be a good teammate and try to do everything to be the best version of yourself.”
The Spanish midfielder joined Arsenal with a reputation of winning duels and keeping possession well, which have both been evident in his performances.
Now, the European Championship winning international wants to instil his mental toughness on the Arsenal squad around him that he learned from his father.
Merino stated: “He told me to keep trying and keep playing. Also he told me about being responsible for my own actions. He told me not to think that anything was other people’s fault, but always to think about what can I do to improve this? What have I done wrong, and what do I have to do better to overcome this problem.”
Arsenal have a group of leaders and captains, not just Martin Odegaard
Although Odegaard is the club captain and wears the armband whenever he is fit and available, it has been noticeable that the current Arsenal squad possess many leaders with authority both on and off the pitch.
Fans were delighted to see Gabriel Magalhaes named captain in the 1-0 win at Wolves and in recent weeks Declan Rice has showed real leadership with his drive and determination from midfield.
Proven winner Merino can educate the dressing room on the mental aspects of football and Arteta has many characters that have proven to be good role models for the rest of the squad.
As a collective squad, Arsenal have perhaps the best harmony they have had in many years, now the time has come to go and deliver a trophy to cement their status as Arsenal greats.
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