Mikel Merino certainly endured a tough full debut when Arsenal were beaten away to Bournemouth last weekend.
Merino was deployed in the number 10 role behind Kai Havertz for Arsenal, one often occupied by Martin Odegaard whilst fit.
It was a tough full debut for the Spaniard who wasn’t allowed a second to breathe on the ball by Bournemouth’s press, something that only became more difficult when down to 10 men.
That being said, Merino did still have a golden opportunity to score, with his left-footed strike deflected just past the post towards the end of the first half.
And the former Real Sociedad man could have also had an assist in the second half when he slipped Gabriel Martinelli through one versus one.
Mikel Merino notices one key difference between Arsenal and Real Sociedad
Of course, facing Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium should present the opportunity for Arsenal to deliver a more vibrant attacking display.
And ahead of potentially earning another start on Tuesday evening, Mikel Arteta chose to take Merino to his press conference.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta says Arsenal star will play a ‘big role’ this season despite playing only 79 minutes
Merino spoke at length, and made an interesting point about how tall Arsenal’s squad are, something that really isn’t a coincidence.
Speaking via Hayters TV, Merino said: “Sometimes it’s crazy I tell you because I am in the corridor, so in the training ground just walking, and back in my old club I used to be one of tallest.
“Everybody was smaller than me and now I look around and everybody is taller than me, so we look like a basketball team now.
“But football now has just changed and now you need a strong team, physicality is key – we need to be the most complete team possible.
“You need the physical aspect, the technical aspect, the tactical one, you need to be a total team if you want to achieve big things as we do.”
Mikel Arteta has deliberately recruited physcially imposing players
As mentioned, Arsenal’s squad being full of tall and physically imposing players is no coincidence.
Arteta has deliberately filled the spine of his side with players over six-foot, the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
As well as making Arsenal a threat from set-pieces, it also gives the Gunners a certain aura on the pitch.
That being said, Thomas Partey has spoken about missing Saliba against Liverpool on Sunday.
Even if the midfielder did protest that all of the side’s focus is currently on securing an important win against Shakhtar Donetsk.
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