Mikel Merino will be determined to have a game to remember against Real Madrid in an Arsenal shirt for multiple reasons.
Firstly, Merino could make his biggest possible statement as an Arsenal player by steering the Gunners to a potential victory against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Secondly, the former Real Sociedad midfielder will also be fired up as he is making a return to his homeland to face Real Madrid.
Merino has wowed Mikel Arteta behind the scenes but all eyes will be on him as the Spaniard could start as a striker against arguably the most feared team in the continent and he will be desperate to impress.
But Mikel Merino will be fully aware of the threat Real Madrid will pose to Arsenal as they boast of having seasoned match-winners in their roster such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes.
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Mikel Merino says he’d love to play with Rodrygo ahead of Arsenal vs Real Madrid
While Mbappe and Vinicius often steal the headlines, Jude Bellingham raved about Rodrygo — who has a habit of standing up and being counted in the Champions League.
Rodrygo Goes’ strike in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 was another example of how decisive he is in Europe.
The Gunners left-back who could start against Los Blancos could have his hands full if he is tasked to keep the former Santos winger quiet.
Mikel Merino knows how excellent Rodrygo is, telling MARCA that he is the one Real Madrid player he would love to play with while previewing Arsenal’s next game: “It’s hard to pick one but I’d probably say Rodrygo.”
Merino added: “I’m not saying he’s underrated but he’s a player I really like: fast, physical, technical, he has great one-on-one skills, he’s good in space. Very complete.”
Rodrygo record vs Premier League teams in the Champions League ahead of Arsenal tie
Merino has played against Rodrygo on a number of occasions and he could inform Arsenal and Mikel Arteta what to expect from the Real Madrid virtuoso.
However, players like the 24-year-old are difficult to plan for because they have various ways to turn games on their head.
Several Premier League teams have tried to tame Rodrygo but he has still managed to hurt them in the Champions League.
| RODRYGO RECORD VS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS | APPEARANCES | GOALS | ASSISTS |
| MANCHESTER CITY | 9 | 4 | 2 |
| LIVERPOOL | 5 | 3 | – |
| CHELSEA | 5 | – | 1 |
| TOTAL | 19 | 7 | 3 |
Rodrygo’s record against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea is impressive to say the least — with seven goals and three assists in 19 appearances.
Mikel Arteta might have to task Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard to provide additional support to their left-back to limit the Osasco-born wideman.
Otherwise, the three-time La Liga winner could genuinely run riot against Arsenal if given the space to exploit.
The numbers don’t lie and the player’s quality does not either.
Merino might be starting as a striker and that could mean he would be unable to come up against Rodrygo during Arsenal’s clash against Real Madrid.
