Arsenal are set to commence a gruelling run-in, as they return from the international break to take on Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday.
The Gunners sit 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool with nine games remaining, and thus, Mikel Arteta will likely be turning his attention to the Champions League.
Real Madrid await Arsenal in the last eight of Europe’s elite competition, and Arteta will need every single player at their best if his team is to overcome the Spanish giants.
One star who currently holds a pivotal role within the North Londoners’ set-up has been doing additional work behind-the-scenes to ensure he’s in perfect shape to concur Madrid.
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What Mikel Merino has done over the international break
Mikel Merino has emerged as Arsenal’s makeshift striker since Kai Havertz was ruled out for the season and has scored four goals in his seven appearances in this role.
While evidently not a natural number nine, the Spaniard has adapted well and provides Arteta’s team with a physical and aerial focal point to play off of.
Merino scored for Spain over the international break, and this wasn’t the only thing he did over the last two weeks that stands him in good stead for the rest of the campaign.
According to the Sun, Merino worked with a personal trainer, Miguel Azanaza, doing weighted ball throws and band work for shoulder strength, to build up his physical durability, while away with his country.
Since returning to London Colney, the publication’s report indicates that Arteta has been impressed with the former Real Sociedad man’s robustness and competitiveness in training.
Mikel Merino’s growing physicality is great news for Arsenal
Merino also took Spain’s first penalty in the shootout against the Netherlands, converting it neatly, which is another string to his bow that could be useful in the Champions League.
Arteta has seemingly settled on Merino being his striker for the rest of the season, and thus, news that he’s showing signs of physical improvement is extremely promising for the Gunners.
Havertz covered huge amounts of ground when deployed as Arsenal’s striker, showing that the role is as physically demanding as any in Arteta’s system, with the number nine tasked with leading a relentless press.
That means that whoever fills the position needs to be durable and able to run constantly for 90 minutes, and Merino is getting closer to being able to do this effectively.
However, building up his strength should also allow him to provide a better focal point for the team, and allow him to pitch up against imperious defenders and cause them trouble.
With his aerial threat and ability to strike the ball well already key facets of his game, the more Merino adds physically, the more likely he is to be able to replicate what Havertz can bring.
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