Mikel Merino Names Three Arsenal Stars as “Special” After Champions League Triumph

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has lavished praise on his midfield partners, singling out Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice as “special” following Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 victory over Monaco in the Champions League.

The match marked a pivotal moment for Arsenal as their midfield trio played together for the first time this season, unlocking the potential that manager Mikel Arteta has been building toward.

The win, which keeps Arsenal firmly in contention for the knockout stages, also showcased the balance and composure Merino brought to the team after overcoming early-season setbacks.

Signed from Real Sociedad in the summer to fill the void left by Granit Xhaka, Merino’s debut was delayed due to a shoulder injury during his first training session, sidelining him for over a month.

During his absence, Arsenal’s midfield endured a reshuffle. Injuries to Ødegaard forced Arteta to experiment with Thomas Partey and Declan Rice in central roles.

While Partey impressed, even earning starts upon Ødegaard’s return, he was temporarily moved to right-back against Monaco due to a defensive crisis.

This tactical adjustment allowed Merino to seamlessly integrate into the midfield alongside Rice and Ødegaard.

Reflecting on the game, Merino highlighted the chemistry among the trio. “Playing alongside Declan and Martin felt natural,” Merino shared.

“Their technical quality, vision, and leadership on the pitch make them extraordinary players.

We bring different strengths to the table, and as we play more games together, our understanding will only deepen.”

The midfield’s dominance was evident against Monaco, as the Gunners controlled the tempo, dictated possession, and converted their chances with clinical precision.

This partnership has reignited optimism among fans, who view the trio as crucial to Arsenal’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.

Merino also pointed out the importance of learning from European powerhouses like Real Madrid. “To succeed in the Champions League, you need to excel in small details and clutch moments,” he said. “Real Madrid’s experience in managing key phases of the game is something we can emulate. We’re growing as a team, becoming calmer under pressure and more disciplined when possession isn’t in our favor.”

The victory propelled Arsenal 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 marked improvement from last season, where they exited the competition at the quarter-final stage against Bayern Munich.

Merino’s inclusion has added depth and dynamism to Arsenal’s midfield, with his ability to win duels, distribute accurately, and drive forward giving Arteta’s system a new dimension. His partnership with Ødegaard, a player known for his creativity and leadership, and Rice, who brings defensive solidity and ball-carrying prowess, is already paying dividends.

Arteta, too, was full of praise for the trio post-match. “Mikel, Declan, and Martin give us a fantastic balance,” the Arsenal boss said. “It’s still early days for this combination, but the signs are promising. They’re intelligent players who understand the demands of the Champions League, and they’ll only get better.”

For Merino, this game was more than just a personal comeback; it was a statement of intent for Arsenal’s midfield. As the Gunners aim for a deep run in the Champions League, the rise of this midfield trio could define their campaign. Arsenal fans will be eager to see if this “special” combination can maintain its momentum and lead the club to European glory.

With the Champions League group stages nearing their conclusion, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s ability to sustain this level of performance. If Merino, Ødegaard, and Rice continue to shine, they could be the key to unlocking Arsenal’s long-awaited return to the pinnacle of European football.