Arteta can repeat Merino’s tricks by unleashing the Arsenal Star in a new role

Despite his injuries at Arsenal this season, Mikel Arteta has done an incredible job, leading the side to second place in the Premier League and Champions League semi-finals.

These issues allowed many players to claim as regulars on the first team. Many of them have seized opportunities with both hands.

Left-back Miles Lewis Skelly has appeared from the academy setup in recent months, breaking down his own position despite his tender age.

The 18-year-old has made 31 appearances in all competitions that go from strength to strength under the Spanish leadership since his debut in September.

He was somehow joined by one player who starred, although in a role he had never been featured in his time in North London.

Mikel Merino’s role as center forward at Arsenal

Central midfielder Mikel Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer, trying to solidify his place in the centre of the side alongside Declan Rice.

While he began the season in his natural position, the injury crisis at the top of the pitch saw the Spaniard transition into centre-forward positions – a surprising decision in recent weeks.

He came out from the bench against Leicester City 0-0 and scored twice in the final stages, securing the victory of Arteta’s men, leading to his regular inclusion as the focus.

The 28-year-old registered four goals and three assists in such a role, with three of his seven efforts reaching two legs in the Champions League quarterfinals against Real Madrid.

Given this successful transition for Merino, there is a risk of changing the players that feature the feature in advance, but Arteta can do that by using other players from positions.

Arsenal Star who can repeat Arteta’s Merino Trick

The decisions made by Arteta over the past few months have been a perfect master stroke, leading to the success he endured on the pitch.

As these issues plagued the sides these days, many have expected the sides to circle around the finish line, but they exceed all expectations – they have the opportunity to end the season by winning their first European title.

Merino did sensational work in the top end, but the boss was able to repeat such tricks by using Ethan Nwaneri as the central striker to balance his workload.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed his own breakthrough this season, scoring eight goals in 32 appearances in all competitions starring alongside Emirates’ Lewis Skelly.

Though the teenager is primarily a wide range of players, he has all the tools to perform in a central position, and in such roles it could take his career to another level.

Labeled “Superb” by Jeorge Bird, Nwaneri registered 2.3 shots per 90 in the Premier League this season, earning a thriving skill set in the final third.

He also completed 3.6 dribbling per 90, completed with a completion rate of 65%, and was able to drive on the opposition backline when he fell deep, allowing Bukayosaka to run behind.

Despite his small frame, he managed to win a duel of 5.8 per 90 this season.

The Spaniard has done an impressive job in that role, but Saka’s return has undoubtedly limited the minutes of Nuwaneri’s first team, and Arteta needs an alternative to fostering his development.

The switch to a central position could provide another dimension to attacks in search of European glory in the coming months.