Reporter TA Art-de Roché has written an extensive article exploring why Merino consistently helps his team across various positions and roles. His core strength lies in his understanding of how football operates as a whole, and the quiet leadership that naturally flows from it.

What comes to mind when you hear the name Mikel Merino?

Is it his two goals against Leicester City in February 2025, marking the beginning of his transformation into a central attacking midfielder for Arsenal? Or the decisive finish in Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg two months later? Or perhaps his ecstatic celebration after heading in a goal during extra time against hosts Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final, helping title contenders Spain reach the semi-finals?

Or maybe some of the substitute appearances made by the 30-year-old at the World Cup this past summer? He scored the winning goal in the last 16 against Portugal and in the quarter-final against Belgium, despite playing just 9 minutes total across both matches, helping his team advance on both occasions.

Yet for those who truly know Merino, his name is often the first mentioned when asked, "Which player do you think will become a coach in the future?"

This month, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed one of the reasons. At Arsenal, Merino is an invaluable squad member, despite rarely being a starter.

Arteta said of his Spanish compatriot, "Merino is one of the smartest players I've ever seen and worked with. He thinks about everything and considers everyone."

"Beyond that, he also possesses some very unique qualities in football and within our team. He can anticipate where the ball will land, occupy different spaces, play in different positions, and connect with his teammates."

This deep understanding of the game became embedded in Merino's football philosophy long before he became a crucial goalscorer for his club and country. He has now been selected for Spain's national team to play in the opening group-stage match of the Nations League against England at Wembley this Saturday.

In 2018, when 22-year-old Merino joined Real Sociedad, he suggested to the club's sporting director Roberto Olabe that training should be more intense. Merino, who had previously played for Newcastle United in England and Borussia Dortmund in Germany, believed that increasing training intensity was key to helping his new club become more competitive.

In 2023, Kieran Tierney joined Real Sociedad on loan from Arsenal. Because Merino was already fluent in English, he proactively helped the Scottish defender adapt to life in Spain. Merino played a similar role for fellow Basque player Martín Zubimendi. Last year, Zubimendi followed in Merino's footsteps, moving from San Sebastián to Arsenal in North London, and the two now live in nearby neighborhoods.

Beyond that, Merino often chats with Eberechi Eze in the sauna, and their conversations extend beyond football.

These interpersonal qualities were also among the reasons Arteta first handed the captaincy to Merino in October last year, just 14 months after he joined the club.

Two weeks ago, Merino captained the team again in Arsenal's 4-2 League Cup victory over Ipswich. When a journalist asked him after the match about Arteta's earlier comment – "He thinks about everything and considers everyone" – Merino replied:

"That's how I understand football. I don't see football as an individual sport. I know some players only focus on what happens around them. But there are 11 players on the football pitch, and sometimes I have to adapt based on my teammates' situations.

"It's a team sport, not an individual one. I mean, when I'm on the pitch, I don't just focus on my own position. I see every position and think about what I need to do to make the whole team function. I'm not sure how to explain it perfectly, but to me, football is one unified thing – it's a collective sport."

Merino's football philosophy is deeply rooted in his professional experience. He has played as a centre-back in both three and four-man defensive systems, as well as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, attacking midfielder, and in recent seasons, has even tried various forward roles.

His habit of arriving late into the penalty area has made him one of Arsenal's most effective players for crucial goals – 10 of his 11 Premier League goals (91%) either put his team ahead or equalized. At the same time, his role as a "false nine" has also helped Arsenal break down opposing defences.

All these experiences across different positions and roles have been important lessons in Merino's development. But the most formative experience began before he became an English, European, and world champion.

Merino's father, Ángel Merino, had a 17-year professional career starting in 1986, peaking during his time at Osasuna from 1988 to 1994. Mikel was born in 1996 and took his first steps in professional football at Osasuna's academy, where his father served as director from 2004 to 2013.

After every goal, Merino pays tribute to his father by mimicking his now-famous celebration – running around the corner flag. By coincidence, father and son have even performed this celebration at the same stadium: more than 30 years apart, both ran to the corner flag to celebrate goals in the Europa League and European Championship at MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany.

In Euro 2024 against Germany, Mikel Merino celebrated his goal by running around the corner flag, honouring his father Ángel. Thirty-three years earlier, Ángel had scored at the same stadium in Stuttgart and performed the exact same celebration.

Having spent so much time with his father during his formative years, it's natural that Merino credits his father when asked where his football philosophy comes from.

"My father," he said. "My father was a player and then a coach. I remember when I was 13 or 14 years old, he was coaching at Osasuna's academy. I would sit beside him, watching him analyze opponents and listening to him explain why things happen in the game. From that point on, I've always enjoyed understanding football's logic, tactics, and how I can influence opponents on the pitch. Even just moving 10 metres, you can shake an opponent's defence."

This understanding of how subtle movements can influence opponents and teammates is what made Merino's substitute appearances so impressive this season. He came off the bench in Arsenal's first five league matches, with his best performance coming at Villa Park in late August.

Against Aston Villa, with 19 minutes remaining, Merino entered from the bench to help his team maintain their lead. His sharp movements made it difficult for the home side to create sustained threats, and Arsenal ultimately secured an important 1-0 victory. Two weeks earlier, when he captained the team against Ipswich, he also demonstrated this composure and calmness on several occasions.

Both Arsenal and Spain's national team have players more famous than Merino, but both have proven one thing: a player who understands his teammates' roles and what he needs to do can still make a significant impact, even when coming off the bench.

Tomorrow, England will face the defending European and World champions in a new tournament cycle. For England manager Thomas Tuchel, this might be a detail worth noting.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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