Declan Rice would have been delighted with Mikel Merino’s latest display against Fulham as he scored Arsenal’s opener in their 2-1 victory.
A stroke of luck helped Merino find the back of the net as his effort was deflected beyond Bernd Leno’s reach.
However, the Arsenal midfielder, who was deployed as a makeshift number nine once again was in the right place at the right time yet again to get on the scoresheet. Slowly but surely, Mikel Merino is growing into his newfound role as an auxiliary striker.
Mikel Arteta feels Merino is a goalscoring threat as well as he continues to persist with him as his man to lead the line in both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’ injury-enforced absences. However, the experiment seems to be one that is supported by the Gunners squad, as David Raya feels Merino can score goals due to his natural instincts in and around the box.
Declan Rice had his say on Merino after Arsenal’s crucial win against Fulham.
Declan Rice raves about Mikel Merino after Arsenal vs Fulham
With Rice being a midfielder himself, he acknowledged the challenge that comes with playing up top that Merino has to face and lauded his adaptability.
Yet, the £27.4 million (The Athletic) man has been happy to sacrifice his game for the sake of the team.
Rice also gave an insight into how he feels about Merino as a player after playing alongside him and watching him in training after Arsenal defeated Fulham.
The Englishman said via Arsenal’s official website: “He’s unbelievable.”
“Seeing him up close and in training, his technical quality and what he has as a player and how he adapts himself to the team is incredible.”
Rice lauded Merino’s attitude as well, saying: “It’s not easy being a midfielder who can play eight or six, but then being asked to play nine is a whole different ball game, especially with how the manager wants to play. He’s put himself out for the team. He’s such a good guy and to score a proper striker’s goal is amazing.”
Mikel Merino stats during Arsenal vs Fulham
Jamie Carragher questioned Merino’s signing by Arsenal and while he still has plenty to prove, there are clear signs that the Gunners made an astute decision to bring him in.
Mikel Arteta pushed for Merino’s signing and in fairness to the Spanish tactician, he seems to be getting the best out of him.
Merino’s statistics against Fulham speak volumes of how effective he was for Arsenal leading the line once again.
| MIKEL MERINO STATS VS FULHAM | |
| GOALS | 1 |
| TOUCHES | 28 |
| DUELS WON | 4 |
| TOUCHES IN OPPOSITION BOX | 4 |
The European Championship winner just took 28 touches of the ball.
However, Merino still managed to score a goal and take four touches inside the opposition box.
It could be argued that both Havertz and Jesus lack this very threat that the former Newcastle dynamo possesses.
Scoring eight goals during his stint up front, Merino deserves massive credit and his teammates such as Rice will be inspired by how well he has adapted to a new role during his debut season.
