Mikel Merino names the two Arsenal stars who he thinks are ‘top class’

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In truth, Mikel Arteta won’t have learned too much from Arsenal’s fairly dull win over Monaco in the Champions League before facing Everton this weekend.

Perhaps Myles Lewis-Skelly has now been promoted in Mikel Arteta’s thinking, but the Arsenal boss has often gone against popular opinion with how he handles the club’s excellent youngsters.

Arteta has resisted from throwing Ethan Nwaneri into the deep end, even during periods where Arsenal were desperately lacking creativity.

In a similar vein, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Lewis-Skellly was back on the bench against Everton, with Jurrien Timber playing instead.

Of course, if Thomas Partey is at right-back, Mikel Merino is likely to start again in midfield.

Mikel Merino excited to play alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard

To accommodate Merino, Declan Rice has moved back to the six, and there was a lesser-spotted first against Monaco, a debut for Arsenal’s new midfield trio capped off by Martin Odegaard.

That being said, Merino spoke about playing alongside Rice and Odegaard shortly after beating Monaco, labelling both as ‘top class’.

READ MORE: Ally McCoist noticed something concerning that Martin Odegaard was doing during Arsenal’s win over Monaco

Merino was criticised by fans against Monaco, but there’s clearly a ton more to come from the Spaniard, who spoke about needing time.

Talking via Hayters TV, Merino said: “Today was a special midfield for the team, and I felt really comfortable with those two, they’re top class players.

“I think the three of us, we complement each other very good, we have different qualities and characteristics, but at the same time we know how to play [with] each other.

“It’s about timing and more time with each other to learn what we want and where we want the ball and the places where we are comfortable.

“But yeah, I think anyone who plays in this midfield or any position in this team is doing a great job and that’s the main thing.”

Declan Rice sent a message to Mikel Arteta in Monaco win

Despite his relatively slow start at the Emirates Stadium, many do still believe that Merino can finally fill the role vacated by Granit Xhaka seasons ago.

Rice has often performed better in the pivot, even if it does limit his attacking efforts.

Rice sent a message to Arteta with his Monaco display – he seems ready to thrive as a number six again.

Amid a ton of injuries in N5, Arsenal are still progressing and evolving under Arteta, but fans will simply have to hope that results during these periods remain good enough to mount a serious title-challenge.

Arsenal have what it takes to beat Everton on Saturday, they have what it takes to win the Premier League, but all hasn’t quite clicked yet for Merino or Arteta’s side as whole.