Wayne Rooney reveals reason why he believes one Arsenal star has been ‘disrespected’ this season

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Arsenal are preparing to take on PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta confirmed the absence of Riccardo Calafiori from his matchday squad but there are starts for Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka in attack.

Jakub Kiwior was exceptional against Real Madrid and continues in defence alongside William Saliba with Jurrien Timber tasked with stopping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Mikel Merino returns to the Arsenal side following his absence from the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace and Wayne Rooney has delivered his verdict on the Spain international.

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Wayne Rooney believes Mikel Merino has been ‘disrespected’ this season

Speaking on Amazon Prime Video’s pre-match coverage of Arsenal’s clash with PSG, Rooney revealed that he believes that Merino has been ‘disrespected’ this campaign.

Rooney stated: “I think he’s [Merino’ been fantastic, maybe a little bit ‘disrespected’ as well because there’s been a lot of talk about as well Arsenal playing without a number nine,

“But he stepped into that role, he’s been incredible and I know how difficult it is as well to go from eight or ten and go and play as a number nine.

“It’s a real change of mindset, your whole game changes and you have to play a different way but I think he’s been incredible and scored some really important goals.”

Mikel Merino starts in midfield role v PSG

Thomas Partey is suspended for the first leg clash in North London, meaning that Merino has changed his role from playing as the central striker back into midfield.

It remains to be seen whether it is Merino or Declan Rice who plays the deepest and in front of the back four but both are capable of interchanging throughout the game.

Up against the likes of Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves, Arteta’s side will need to be strong in the midfield battle and try to deny space for PSG to play.

Martin Odegaard will also be hoping to find little pockets of space where he can orchestrate the Gunners attacks but the middle of the park could be where the game is won and lost.