Declan Rice and Mikel Merino may just have eternally etched their names into the Arsenal history book as both players got on the scoresheet for the hosts in their 3-0 demolition job of Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
Micah Richards considers Rice a “world-class” midfielder but Merino was tasked with the intimidating task of playing out of position as a striker against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
But the Spanish international held his nerve and produced a finish that elite goalscorers such as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland would be proud of to put the contest beyond Real Madrid’s reach.
Declan Rice had his say on Mikel Merino’s masterclass against Real Madrid on a Champions League night that will long live in the memory of every Arsenal fan across the globe.
- READ MORE: Mikel Merino shares what Arsenal players kept telling each other at half-time vs Real Madrid
Declan Rice hails Mikel Merino after Arsenal vs Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-final
Merino took to Instagram to celebrate Arsenal’s victory against Real Madrid and Rice made sure to give him the credit he deserves.
Mikel Arteta claimed Merino is a goal threat recently and that was proven with the way he took his finish and after the contest, he captioned his post: “N5 was rocking tonight!! Magic Champions League night at The Emirates. Job’s not finished. We keep going!”
Rice commented on Merino’s Instagram post after Arsenal beat Real Madrid, writing: “What a player.”
But aside from Rice, other Arsenal players flocked to Merino’s comments on his Instagram post to laud his display against Real Madrid, with Bukayo Saka writing: “On fire.”
Jurrien Timber commented: “Pff”, followed by a ‘fire emoji’ as well.
Thomas Partey left two ‘heart emojis’ on Merino’s post as he was deservedly hailed by his teammates after playing out of position and still managing to deliver.
What Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said about Mikel Merino’s display vs Real Madrid
Rice described Merino’s impact at Arsenal as “incredible” after his recent showing against Fulham and to him, his teammate’s performance against Real Madrid would not have come as a surprise.
But Paul Merson doubted Merino’s quality up front and even slated Mikel Arteta for starting him as the Gunners’ number nine in their 1-0 defeat against West Ham.
But Arteta vouched for Arsenal to sign Merino and his decision was vindicated as he hurt Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final, leading the Spanish tactician to sing his praises via HaytersTV: “With Mikel, it’s again, his commitment, his desire to learn the position, to constantly think what he can offer to them.”
“And the team adapting to his qualities to deliver the best outcome.”
It’s safe to say that Mikel Arteta’s profiling of Merino as a makeshift striker has worked like a charm.
Whether Arteta sticks with the former Real Sociedad midfielder up top in the second leg or surprises Los Blancos by potentially starting Leandro Trossard will be intriguing to see.
However, Merino has the support of Rice and his Arsenal teammates to put Real Madrid to the sword once again.
The 28-year-old clearly has a top-class mentality as Mikel Arteta revealed and he will have the confidence to set the world alight in the second leg upon his return to Spain.
