Father of Arsenal star addresses son’s pivotal positional change vs Real Madrid

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta worked his magic to mastermind a 3-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid – and the father of one Gunner is a fan of his tactical change

Mikel Arteta has been showered with praise for his tactical prowess after leading Arsenal to a stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid. Among the admirers is Mikel Merino’s father, who commended Arteta for “bringing out” the best in his son during the Champions League clash.

Merino, 28, was signed by the Gunners from Real Sociedad last summer and quickly became a key player in Arteta’s midfield after recovering from a shoulder injury. However, he has transitioned into a more central forward role since Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus saw their seasons ended prematurely.

The Spaniard has occasionally filled the same role playing for his country, and recent performances have validated the manager’s decision to place his trust in the player. And his father, Angel Miguel Merino, praised his son’s goal-scoring capability.

“He had it in him, it was a matter of bringing it out and putting him in that position,” Merino Sr told El Larguero (via football.london). “It’s not where he feels most comfortable because he likes to touch the ball more often, but when he has to finish, he’s always been a player who can score. He’s a good finisher and he’s proving it.”

Arsenal’s gem demonstrated this with his powerful second-half strike against Los Blancos. A late adjustment was needed as he spun back to receive Myles Lewis-Skelly’s pass across the box, somehow generating enough force to drive low past Thibaut Courtois.

The goal took Merino’s tally to eight in his maiden campaign with Arsenal. Six of these have come since his shift upfield in mid-February.

But former Osasuna midfielder Angel has cautioned Arsenal not to get ahead of themselves despite their first-leg triumph. The 58-year-old has his own experience in La Liga having made his top-flight debut at the Bernabeu, knowing all too well the tie is far from over.

Reflecting on the joy of watching his son Mikel score in such a crucial match, Merino Sr said: “I felt the same joy with the third goal as with the previous two, probably a little more because Mikel scored, but with the peace of mind that the second leg is still to come and we shouldn’t get carried away.

“Real Madrid has shown on countless occasions that it can turn the tie around. The result gives you room to manoeuvre, but we know that matches and knockout rounds at the Bernabeeu can’t be considered won.”

Arsenal fans will fondly remember their only other competitive game at the Bernabeu, which ended in a 1-0 victory back in February 2006 when Thierry Henry netted the winner. That result helped them progress from the round of 16 and eventually reach the final, where they were defeated by Barcelona.

The Gunners are now hoping to replicate that success against Real Madrid, aiming to use this match as a stepping stone to the semi-finals, where they would face either PSG or Aston Villa. And it seems inevitable Merino will play an integral part in Arsenal’s fortunes in Wednesday’s second leg.

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