Arsenal gathered before the Premier League match. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal have used Mikel Merino from time to time as a makeshift striker, and the Spanish midfielder has performed extremely well in that role.
He has scored some important goals for the London club and found the back of the net again today in the Premier League against Brentford.
The Gunners currently lead 1-0 against Brentford in the Premier League thanks to Merino’s goal. Former Premier League midfielder Conor Coady has revealed the Spaniard is a top player with the instincts of a striker. He added that Merino is extraordinary at timing his runs in the box and is Arsenal’s version of Frank Lampard.
Coady told the BBC: “Merino is a top player, right? He keeps scoring goals. We played against him at Leicester last year. One of the first games he played as a striker, he scored two goals. He surprised us.”
“He definitely had the instincts when he got up there and he’s always a player who times Lampard well into the box. He’s like a Frank Lampard player.”
It will be interesting to see if the Spanish midfielder can continue to perform at a high level and retain his place in the team’s starting lineup. There is no doubt that he has been an invaluable asset to Arsenal since he joined the club.
Mikel Arteta will be pleased to see players like Merino stepping up whenever called upon. His ability to score important goals for the team could become valuable as the season progresses.
Arsenal have enjoyed an excellent run this season and will be aiming to win the league title, the UEFA Champions League. Players like Merino will play an important role.
