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Mikel Merino Reveals Playing as a Forward Occasionally at Arsenal
Mikel Merino explained that at Arsenal he was not only a defensive midfielder but sometimes played in advanced positions, which initially surprised him. The Spanish footballer shared that after this role change, he contributed goals and returned to the team during the season despite an injury.
Mikel Merino described the moments when he was shifted from midfield to a more advanced position at Arsenal. The Spanish player said he laughed when he saw discussions on social media about him playing as a forward, but the coaching staff seriously considered this possibility.
Merino, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024, was occasionally used as a striker at the club. He explained that this was a completely new role for him and that the idea first came up during a short training camp in Dubai last February.
Surprise change in the first match
Merino recounted that before the Leicester match, he was told he might play in an advanced position. The experienced midfielder noted that this was not a traditional striker role but more of an advanced midfield position.
Coming on as a substitute, Merino entered the field during a period when his team was searching for goals and scored twice. After this match, he said the forward role became a permanent option for him.
The Spanish player also shared that he believes he has the necessary qualities to play in this position. Although not a fast player, he knows how to read the right positions in the penalty area and notice subtle signs early.
Goal contributions and injury period
Merino scored two goals and provided three assists in five Premier League matches as a forward in November and December. Later, with Viktor Gyökeres fully fit again, he returned to midfield.
At the end of January, he suffered a foot injury and had to undergo surgery. He described the injury as an unusual type, which even experts found difficult to understand, and he was worried about missing the World Cup.
Merino said he felt better after the recovery process and made his return by coming on as a substitute in the final match of the season against Crystal Palace. This comeback was also an important step for him to continue playing for the Spanish national team during the summer.
Scoring contributions with Spain
Merino also had an effective period with the national team, scoring six goals in six World Cup qualifying matches. One of these goals was a hat-trick in the 6-0 victory against Turkey.
He said the experience gained playing as a forward at Arsenal helped him be more effective around the penalty area. He now thinks more about scoring when he touches the ball, which has added a new dimension to his game.
This role change from midfield to forward at Arsenal became one of the most talked-about aspects of Merino’s season. For the Spanish player, this experience opened a new avenue both at club and international level.
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