Mik Merino: Page 25 - The Arsenal discussion forum and community: One More in the Tolly

Mik Merino

RocktheCasbah

I think Edu, possibly irrationally (as I said earlier in the week, it's allowed) is genuinely one of the most overrated players I've ever seen play for Arsenal. Never understood the love he gots.

Gazza M

RocktheCasbah he gave us 3 fantastic months in 2004, culminating in that stunner against celta vigo. I remember feeling his arsenal career started winding down just when I thought he was getting going

Lukazan

He was consistently good every time he played thereafter that patch of form up until he left.

CPM

Super Mik is a bit of an odd duck as an overall midfielder, but he really is elite in and around the box. Has a real sixth sense for where to be, immense in the air, classy finisher, good final ball. Lovely goal today.

Sicario2

CPM he has his own position in football, not quite an 8 and not quite a 9. Our first 8.5 player!

Very tough footballer to read. Sometimes bang average and then bangs one in. Good squad player for sure.

flobaba

Yes, needs to be deployed higher up the field for sure. Doesn't have the assuredness on the ball needed to play centrally consistently - he'll make the occasional costly errant pass or miscontrol. But he sniffs out spaces in and around the box very well and his finishing is surprisingly crisp.

Segway

What a player.

Gazza M

I really thought he'd have a bit more about him in the thick of midfield, but he looks a bit flat in there. he shines when he's in and around the box. still a handy, intelligent player to have in the squad

Pepe LeFrits

Lacks the presence of Rice in midfield but I'm hopeful that renewing his partnership with Zubi will bring more out of him.

flobaba

Just a bit untidy and loose with the ball in the middle for me, which could be costly when he loses it close to goal. His off the ball work is tops though, and his ability to find space in the box, pick out a through pass, win duels and finish makes him a solid asset. Lots of competition, lots of options, Flobaba likes this.

JazzG

As a striker he has been very good but in midfield I will a bit at times he has been a bit underwhelming but like @Pepe LeFrits says maybe with Zubimendi we might see a bit more from him. He is technically secure player and has good awareness but just hasn't really fitted in with our other players in midfield.

Big Willie

Super Mik on the scoresheet again for Spain.

Sicario2

Plays so much better in a Spanish shirt without the Arteta handbrake on

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

That's mad. Why does he look so pointless for us?

Mirth

We don't face Bulgaria.

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

Mirth 🤪

But even stuff not necessarily related to the quality of the opponent, like his first touch and taking it on the half turn, look way better here.

Sicario2

We should use Merino like Bayern used Thomas Mueller

Klaus

Sparingly?

Sicario2

Klaus good one mate. All I know is that Merino is NOT a DM.

Klaus

Sicario2 I agree, his passing is seriously disappointing. Can't have blokes like that in midfield.

If he had a bit more speed he could have made a decent winger I think, but it's a bit like saying "If Reiss Nelson was actually a good player he could have been class". He is what he is. Just a puzzling player to watch. There's no position in this team where you'd want him to be any higher than third choice.

Qwiss

Klaus I agree, his passing is seriously disappointing. Can't have blokes like that in midfield.

This is why I think the idea of him adding technical security is flawed. Nwaneri played an hour against Leeds and had 100% pass completion. Obviously Leeds aren't Liverpool but that still a staggering stat for a player who mostly plays in the opposition half.

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