Mikel Merino believes Arsenal are poised to assert themselves as genuine contenders in the Champions League this season, pointing to the squad’s maturity and depth as key assets in their European campaign.
Following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Monaco, the Spanish midfielder lauded the team’s evolution and expressed confidence in their ability to navigate the fine margins that define success in Europe’s premier competition.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Leandro Trossard during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Speaking after the win, Merino highlighted the balance and competitiveness within Arsenal’s squad. “We have an amazing squad, you can see it,” he said. “The competition is at the highest; the level of every single player is huge. That’s good news for the coach, for the club, for the squad because we’re pushing each other and everyone has to raise the level to play.”
Merino also reflected on the unique challenges of the Champions League, emphasising the importance of precision and composure in decisive moments. “The Champions League is a competition where small details and boxes are the things that change the game, and you have to be really good at that.
“Real Madrid have been amazingly good at that in the past few years, and I think it’s going to keep being like that. So, the Champions League is a whole different thing, and we have to be ready for every single game.”
LONDON, ENGLAND: Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal is challenged by Lamine Camara of AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
A key highlight of the match against Monaco was 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who made his first Champions League start. Merino was effusive in his praise for the young full-back, commending both his technical ability and his attitude. “He’s an amazing guy.
“He’s a really good kid, always humble, just trying to learn from the others, asking questions, not being worried of being judged for asking maybe a stupid question or whatever.”
LONDON, ENGLAND: Mikel Merino of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain on October 01, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
The Spaniard also spoke about Arsenal’s midfield dynamics, expressing satisfaction with his partnership alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. “It was a special midfield for the team, and I felt really comfortable with those two.
“They are top-class players. I think the three of us complement each other very well. We have different qualities and characteristics, but at the same time, we know how to play with each other.”
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