Mikel Merino aims to win double Premier League and Champions League with ‘humble’ Arsenal – ‘We are not afraid of anyone’

Merino joined Real Sociedad as a midfielder in the summer of 2024 and was used as a striker last season due to the injury crisis.

The 29-year-old, who proved both his versatility and his eye for goal for Mikel Arteta’s side, explained how he was able to change positions in some of the club’s biggest games.

He told pundit Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports: “It’s been great. It’s been an adventure. So far so good. It’s been great for me to try this new position. It happened out of the blue last season. Due to injury I had to step up and play as a striker.”

“At first I was doubtful whether I could do the role. But I think it’s within me to know how to play in different positions. I don’t see myself as a midfielder, a striker or a particular position. I’m just trying to get on the pitch and be a footballer and do the right thing.”

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Asked whether his success was due to Arteta’s insight into his abilities or his own application, the Spaniard said it was both his hard work and the support he received from the coaching system.

“I think it’s a mixture,” Merino replied. “Mikel saw the potential in me and I’m the type of player who wants to learn, adapt and get better every day.

“From the moment they told me I would play as a striker, I was already asking questions. They are really good at providing those answers and are ready to provide and help you with whatever you need.”

“Our mentality is to fear no one and respect every opponent. That’s a good mentality. We’re humble. We have a long way to go.”

“At the same time, we are confident. We have a strong team. We have a great stadium, we have great fans. We are just focused on the next game and if we focus on that, I think only good things will happen.”

“Strive to get better every day”

Timber said that when you play for a high-profile club like Arsenal, you are quick to receive praise if you perform well, but suggested that critics also tend to be quick to point out shortcomings.

Timber explained: “When you play for a big club like Arsenal, if you play well, people will immediately start talking about you. I also think as a team we are playing really well. If you play well, people will start talking about whether you are the best or not.”

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“And it changes every week. One week you’re great and the next week you’re overrated. That’s just football. And it says something about this team and the standard at the moment. If you play well, people are talking about you right away. I think that’s a good thing.”

When asked about his development this season compared to last season, the 24-year-old Dutch international said it was important to always focus on which aspects of his game he could improve.

“I’m getting better with every double,” he said. “Each match, I think, how can I do better? Just being aggressive and ready to compete. Winning duals.

“It’s a habit to try to get better every day. I have the license (to get into the opponent’s penalty area), but it’s also true that I’m just trying to improve my game.”

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“You’re looking back at your game last year. You always look back at your previous game, but you just want to do more for the team, and offensively I can do that too.”

“I still feel like there’s a lot of things I need to improve on. But if you look at the stats, there’s a lot of things that are getting better, and that’s good. I think the team will let me do more attacking things, and the coach has faith in me.”