Mikel Arteta’s squad at Arsenal is finally starting to take shape, and the Gunners now have so many top options, but there is one player who is arguably the most underrated.
Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are two strong contenders for the title of most underrated at Arsenal, having both been formidable this season.
The full-back duo have firmly secured their spots as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice pairing in North London, having started in all but one Premier League match.
Now, speaking ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Sunderland, Arteta has been full of praise for one of his squad players, and it says a lot about his importance.
Mikel Arteta praises Mikel Merino’s versatility
Arteta has just lauded the versatility of Mikel Merino following his latest brace for Arsenal in the win over Slavia Prague.
Merino netted a brace against Prague in the Champions League, as he led the line in Viktor Gyokeres’ absence.
Gyokeres is currently injured with a muscular issue and is expected to be sidelined until after the international break. Therefore, Merino is the player tasked with stepping up.
When asked whether Merino will play up front against Sunderland, Arteta told the media: “Well, it’s always easy when we have players of that quality, and we have found a way to play Mikel in three different roles already this season and he’s performing in all of them.
“He had a massive contribution the other night with his goals, especially with Viktor out, which is great to have.
The Spanish manager was also asked about the midfielder’s ability to play up front: “No, it’s not natural because he hasn’t played before in his career, but he’s such an intelligent and competitive player that he can adapt to any position because, first of all, he’s so willing to do his very best to understand what he needs to do.
“He’s always asking questions, and he’s a winner. Whatever he plays, the only thing he wants is to win, to contribute to the team, and when you have that mindset, things normally go well for you.”
Mikel Merino is now invaluable to Arsenal’s title bid
Arteta’s latest comments on his makeshift striker now highlight how highly rated he is internally at the Emirates Stadium.
With Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz all sidelined, the Gunners have lost their focal point in attack, but the 29-year-old has shown he can step up.
The North Londoners were rather fortunate in Prague to have had a Bukayo Saka penalty put them ahead, but once again, the club’s leading goalscorer in 2025 stepped up to make sure of the win.
The Spanish international now has 20 goals this calendar year for both club and country, following Arteta’s masterstroke to move him up top.
So, in a moment where Arsenal have three strikers out injured, Merino’s ability to fill multiple roles to a high standard makes him an invaluable member of the squad.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
