Midfielder Mikel Merino has singled out three Arsenal players as “special” following their 3-0 victory over Monaco, marking a significant moment for the team’s midfield.
Merino believes that Arsenal’s midfield trio, now that Mikel Arteta’s preferred combination is on the field, can finally reach its full potential. The 3-0 Champions League win over Monaco on Wednesday saw Merino, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice start together for the first time this season. This partnership, long awaited due to injuries and tactical shifts, came nearly four months into the campaign.
Signed from Real Sociedad in the summer, Merino was brought in to take over the left-sided No. 8 role left by Granit Xhaka. However, his start at Arsenal was hindered by a shoulder injury in his first training session, sidelining him for over a month.
During his recovery, captain Ødegaard was also injured, leaving Arteta to rely on Thomas Partey and Declan Rice in a reshuffled midfield. Partey’s solid performances earned him a starting spot, even after Ødegaard’s return, though he was shifted to right-back against Monaco due to a defensive injury crisis.
After the Monaco game, Merino praised the understanding and synergy between himself, Rice, and Ødegaard. “It was a special midfield for the team, and I felt really comfortable with those two,” Merino said. “They are top-class players.
We complement each other well—our different qualities and characteristics work together. The more we play, the better we’ll get at bringing out the best in each other.”
The win leaves Arsenal third in their Champions League group, in a strong position to qualify for the last 16 with two rounds remaining. The Gunners are aiming for a deeper run in the competition after their quarter-final exit last season to Bayern Munich.
Merino also emphasized the importance of learning from the Champions League’s most successful team, Real Madrid. “Real Madrid are excellent at focusing on the small details and key moments that decide games,” he said. “The Champions League requires maturity, and I feel this Arsenal team is becoming more composed.
Even when we don’t dominate possession, we manage the game calmly and avoid panic, showing the team’s growth.”
