Merino responds to Henry comparisons as Arsenal face Real Madrid challenge

Mikel Merino has scored five goals in eight games since Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta decided to use him as a makeshift striker following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz

Mikel Merino has dismissed any comparisons with his hero Thierry Henry ahead of Arsenal ’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid on Tuesday. Merino watched in his Arsenal shirt when Henry scored the only goal against Real in the Bernabeu as the Gunners won the 2006 Champions League last 16 tie 1-0 on aggregate in the only other meeting between the sides.

Henry was the star of that Arsenal side and the French striker bagged 33 goals for Arsene Wenger’s men before they heartbreaking lost to Barcelona in the final. Midfielder Merino has impressed in Arsenal’s patched-up attack and has fond memories of that 2006 tie, watching as a wide-eyed nine-year-old back in his native Pamplona.

The Spanish international and Euro 2024 winner has five goals in his last nine games, but shot down any talk that he is playing like Henry. “I don’t see myself as Henry, that’s for sure,” said Merino, who cost £27.4million from Real Sociedad in August.

“Let’s get that out of the equation because I don’t think there are many people, who can play like Henry. It’s another knock-out match against Real Madrid after such a long time and back then it was an historic moment for the club and for the Champions League in general.

“I have really fond memories of that match. So, everyone is really looking forward to it, to try and get the better of a top opponent on the best possible stage in front of the watching world.

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“I’m really happy to have the chance to be here now, having worn that Arsenal shirt as a kid. Here I am now, all these years later, playing in the same knock-out stage.”

Merino, 28, is on course for his best season, having netted seven goals for Arsenal, and admits he did not think he would do so well up front. He says his team-mates have helped, as has fellow Basque Mikel Arteta, and he says his Gunners boss is always guiding him.

“I think I’ve been a bit surprised at being able to perform and contribute to the team in the goalscoring department quite so often,” said the former Newcastle midfielder. “I had no idea it would reach this level. Now as a striker, I’m feeling really comfortable inside the box.

“I think playing with my team-mates is helping me a lot. I’ve settled very well into the striker role, listening to the coach and the staff. The coach has put his trust in me to play in this position and, so far, so good.”

Facing Everton with Merino as a makeshift striker because Arsenal are missing injured top scorer Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus is one thing, taking on Real is very much another.

The Spanish giants suffered a shock 2-1 home loss to Valencia on Saturday night to show they are mortal, but the Champions League is their competition and the record 15-times winners know exactly how to win it.

Arteta started several key players on the bench on the Gunners’ 104th and last visit to Goodison and they should have won after Leandro Trossard fired home on the break after great work by Raheem Sterling.

But they were pegged back through the softest penalty ever when Myles Lewis-Skelly was harshly adjudged to have fouled Jack Harrison and Iliman Ndiaye scored his ninth goal of the season.

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