Mikel Merino's squad has become a controversial topic in the Arsenal fan community. However, the Spanish midfielder is trying to get a starting spot in the match against Fulham after an effective international break.
The 29-year-old has scored six goals in four appearances for Spain, including a brace against Bulgaria. Only Erling Haaland and Memphis Depay have scored more goals than him in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe, while Merino's record is equal to Harry Kane.
Merino's ability to score goals is not new. He has scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for club and country since a late brace in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Leicester in February. This was the first time he was promoted to the front line after Kai Havertz's injury.
The change of position has brought a big turning point for Merino, who has never played as a striker. However, it is worth noting that his goals for Spain have come from midfield. And Arsenal's most recent goal - the header in the late win over Newcastle at St James' Park - also had that familiar mark.
Merino possesses the ability to move into the penalty area with the perfect feeling of the time. However, excellent aerial ability - once again demonstrated through a double head into the Bulgarian net - was not the only weapon that helped him make the most of scoring opportunities.
7 of his 16 goals since February have been scored with his head, while the remaining 4 have come from his right foot and the remaining 5 have come from his left foot.
Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of Spain, did not hesitate to praise Merino: "He is so perfect, we are lucky to have him".
At the Emirates, Merino's value to Arteta is no less certain. However, it is necessary to admit that the outside perspective is not completely positive. He is often misunderstood as a defensive player, and Arteta's trust in Merino is considered by some to be a symbol of conservatism.
Merino is not the type of creative player like Eberechi Eze or Martin Odegaard. And that is the truth. But he will also not be able to regularly feature in the Spanish starting lineup without a solid technical foundation and effective dribbling ability.
Goals, of course, are still the most important measure of value. And in Merino's case, it is worth not only the number, but also the background of those goals.
Merino has scored against Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Real Madrid, France and the Netherlands in just the past 8 months. His eight Premier League goals have directly earned Arsenal double the number of any other player in the team.
All of that shows Merino's special importance to both club and national team, despite fierce competition for positions at two levels. It would be no surprise if he prove his worth at Craven Cottage again this weekend.
"It's easier to say than do. Merino has never played as a striker. Everything is very different. But he has the ability to keep watch of the weather well. He also blows dangerously and shoots well.
There is still a lot of controversy. I don't want him to go crazy. This morning I said he could play as a number 9. We believe he can do it. And he brought us the victory," Arteta said in February this year.
