It might not have looked like it given how well he’s adapted, but Mikel Merino has been learning all about how to be a striker in recent weeks.
Our goalscoring Spaniard began his shift to the number nine role when a plethora of injuries tempted Mikel Arteta to try something new away to Leicester City.
Speaking recently in The Big Interview with the Premier League on a sunny day at Sobha Realty Training Centre, Merino spoke about that instruction from the coaching staff and his rich vein of form.
“Well, in the message they sent me, they didn’t think it was overly important, saying that I could play as a striker, they just mentioned it as a possibility,” he explained. “They asked me how I felt, what I thought about it, and if I felt comfortable, or if I felt that I could adapt myself to that situation.
"I said that I had no problem, that I would do whatever the team needed, and that I’d adapt to any circumstance. So, I came onto the pitch for 20 minutes, scored two goals.
“Did I know I would score? You always come on with the idea of helping the team out, but whenever I come onto the pitch, I always try to make a difference, providing positive energy to my team-mates, helping out both defensively and in attack when you’re fresh-legged. So, I came on with that mentality, did what I had to do, the balls dropped to my feet, and helped out.
"Each player is unique and you have to find your own ways of gaining an advantage"
“When you’re a kid you want to be a striker, but end up moving backwards! With the forwards we have here at Arsenal and some advice from the backroom staff, coaches who, depending on where my team-mates are, teach me where to position myself tactically, where to be to have an advantage, and, obviously, with the forwards here, to learn some technical tricks, how to make the most of those one-on-ones against the centre-back.
“But each player is unique and, ultimately, you have to find your own tools, and ways of gaining an advantage. So, I do what I believe works for me.
“It was really surprising when we started talking about the possibility of playing there, and I was kind of nervous at the beginning, as I wasn’t sure how to go about it, or what I had to do. But after a few weeks and games playing in that position, I can say that I feel comfortable there, that my team-mates are also understanding me and my characteristics on the pitch, and it’s working out well, so I’m very happy.”
One Arsenal supporter who has been enjoying Merino’s goals is actress Anne Hathaway, who recorded a wholesome video message following our 3-0 win at home to Real Madrid.
“At first I thought it was fake or something! I’m also a big fan of Anne, I’ve seen many of her movies, so it’s great to receive her support,” Merino added.
Just as common as the sight of Merino finding the back of the net is the image of him running around a corner flag in celebration, a nod to his father who used to mark goals in the same way.
“It’s something I’ve been doing my whole career,” he said. “Ever since my debut, every time I score, that’s how I celebrate. And since I look up to my dad so much, I kind of stole it from him! It’s my way of honouring him, so every time I score, I do it.
“The story goes that one day, my grandmother was feeling a bit unwell, and my dad had a game that day. He told her ‘don’t worry, I’m going to score a goal and dedicate it to you.’ He didn’t know how he was going to do it, just that he would, and it just so happened that he did score. He ran over to the corner flag, and since it was the first thing he saw, he ran around it; kind of like a tribute for my grandmother, to show her that the goal was for her, and that’s how the celebration was born.”
Merino went on to discuss how much he’s feeling at home during his first season with us, settling in and even enjoying spells of the English climate.
“Yes, I feel great here, happy, especially with this weather! I feel at home. Obviously, it takes time, there are transition periods where you have to adapt, not only to a new language and a new league, but a new environment, a new way of communicating, new team-mates.
“It’s still an ongoing process because I think I still have more steps to take, but I’m very pleased to be here, and I feel settled.”
Press play on the video at the top of the article to find out more about what life was like for Merino growing up in northern Spain, that famous photo of him in an Arsenal kit as a youngster, looking up to Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas, and more.
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