It is now nearly three weeks since Mikel Merino assumed his role as Arsenal’s emergency No9 and so far the Spaniard will have been largely pleased with how it has gone.
Merino’s goal during Tuesday’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven means he has found the net three times in four games, while he has also chipped in with an assist.
Given the midfielder last played as a striker when he was seven years old, it is a decent return as Arsenal continue to battle on without four forwards due to injury.
“It is kind of crazy, but it is about having the right mentality, the right approach to the game,” says Merino.
“I was in my school team [when I last played as a striker], with the kids there. I mean, I was playing everywhere, not only as a striker. It was five kids running around on the pitch!
“But now is the time I am playing as a striker and it is something new for me. I am trying to adapt the best way possible.”
Key to Merino’s transformation has been his willingness to learn. It was during the squad’s pre-match walk before their game at Leicester that one of Mikel Arteta’s assistants, Miguel Molina, collared him to tell him he could come on and play upfront that day.
Merino had not trained as a striker that week, although he had in previous sessions after Kai Havertz tore his hamstring and Gabriel Jesus suffered a serious knee injury.
With no other recognised striker in the squad, Arteta and his staff viewed Merino as a viable option given his profile and knack of arriving late in the box to score goals.
Merino is a student of the game. When he was injured in his first training session at Arsenal, the 28-year-old spent the time out analysing how the Gunners play. That hard work is paying off now.
“I have been talking with the analysts, the boss as well,” says Merino. “I pride myself in trying to understand what happens on the pitch, not only in my position as a No8, but also the positions of team-mates.
“I think understanding what happens on the pitch in other situations also helps you in your role. So, I can understand what a striker has to do in this team.
“At the same time, I think the other team-mates understand what the No8 has to do. It’s a group thing. Everybody knows what everybody has to do - that’s the way we work and it’s really helpful for me now.”
Merino likely has at least three more games as Arsenal’s No9 after starting the last three matches.
He will certainly expect to keep his place for Sunday’s trip to Manchester United and next week’s visit of Chelsea, although such is Merino’s importance now given Arsenal’s injury issues he could well be rested for the second leg against PSV on Wednesday.
After their clash with Chelsea, the Gunners will hope to have Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back from hamstring injuries and their return would allow Leandro Trossard to move from out wide to a central role as a ‘false nine’.
Merino should remain as an option as a striker, though, and Arsenal’s win at Leicester showed how useful he could be off the bench.
“If the coach tells you to play one position, alright you have to take all your characteristics and put it on the table for the team,” says Merino.
“I am trying to adapt. I am trying to do things the best way possible and, obviously, some days will be better, some days will be worse - but the work is there every day, the grind.
“I am trying to improve every single day in my new position, trying to help the team. So, when good things happen, I am really proud of that.”
