Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has heaped praise on his teammates, describing Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice as “special” players after Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 Champions League victory over Monaco.
The match not only strengthened Arsenal’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages but also marked the first time this season that Merino, Ødegaard, and Rice played together in midfield—a pivotal moment for the team.
Merino’s performance was particularly notable as he brought composure and balance to Arsenal’s midfield, helping to control the game against Monaco.
Signed from Real Sociedad in the summer to replace Granit Xhaka, Merino faced a challenging start to his Arsenal career.
A shoulder injury during his first training session delayed his debut, sidelining him for over a month.
During Merino’s absence, Arsenal’s midfield underwent several adjustments.
Injuries to Ødegaard forced manager Mikel Arteta to experiment with various setups, including deploying Thomas Partey and Declan Rice in central roles.
Partey performed well, earning starts even after Ødegaard’s return, but was moved to right-back for the Monaco match to address a defensive crisis.
This reshuffle created an opportunity for Merino to slot into the midfield alongside Ødegaard and Rice.
Reflecting on their first game together, Merino expressed excitement about the partnership.
“Playing with Declan and Martin felt seamless,” he said.
“Their technical quality, vision, and leadership on the pitch are exceptional.
We each bring unique strengths to the team, and as we continue to play together, our chemistry will only grow.”
The trio’s dominance against Monaco was clear as Arsenal controlled possession, dictated the tempo, and clinically converted their chances.
Fans have been quick to highlight the potential of this midfield combination, viewing it as central to Arsenal’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Merino also emphasized the importance of learning from top European teams like Real Madrid.
“To succeed in the Champions League, you have to master the finer details and critical moments,” he explained.
“Real Madrid’s ability to manage key phases of games is something we can strive to emulate.
We’re growing as a team—becoming calmer under pressure and more disciplined without the ball.”
Arsenal’s victory moved them to third place in their group, with two games remaining, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 16.
This is a significant improvement from last season, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Bayern Munich.
Merino’s inclusion has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield.
His ability to win duels, distribute effectively, and drive forward complements Ødegaard’s creativity and Rice’s defensive solidity.
Post-match, Arteta lauded the trio, saying, “Mikel, Declan, and Martin provide fantastic balance. It’s early days for this combination, but the signs are very encouraging.
They’re smart players who understand the demands of the Champions League, and they will only improve.”
For Merino, this match was more than just a personal comeback—it was a statement of intent for Arsenal’s midfield.
As the team aims for a deep Champions League run, the emergence of this trio could be crucial.
Arsenal fans are hopeful that the partnership will continue to shine, potentially leading the club back to the pinnacle of European football.
