Theo Walcott Explains Why Mikel Merino Has Become a Trusted Figure at Arsenal
Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has highlighted the importance of Mikel Merino to Mikel Arteta’s team, suggesting that the Spanish midfielder offers valuable experience, tactical intelligence and reliability in important matches.
Merino has become an interesting figure at Arsenal since arriving from Real Sociedad. Although he is naturally a midfielder, his versatility has allowed Arteta to deploy him in different roles, including as an emergency striker when injuries and selection problems have limited the manager’s options.
Walcott has previously discussed Merino’s position in Arsenal’s attacking plans, particularly when comparing his role with that of striker Viktor Gyökeres. Following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea in November 2025, Walcott suggested that Merino was more trusted in major matches because of his experience and understanding of what those games demand.
His assessment highlighted a significant question about Arsenal’s tactical approach: should Arteta always select a recognised striker, or can Merino’s qualities provide an alternative when the opposition presents a difficult challenge?
Walcott Recognises Merino’s Experience
One of Merino’s greatest strengths is his experience of competing at a high level. Before joining Arsenal, he played for several clubs, including Newcastle United and Real Sociedad, while also representing Spain internationally.
That experience has helped him adapt to the demands of English football and Arteta’s tactical system.
In major matches, managers often look beyond individual statistics when choosing their starting line-ups. Positioning, decision-making, discipline and the ability to understand tactical instructions can be just as important as goals and assists.
Merino possesses many of these qualities.
He understands when to move into dangerous positions, when to support his teammates and when to remain disciplined in midfield. These qualities can make him especially useful against opponents who press aggressively or defend deep.
Walcott’s assessment suggests that Arteta values the reliability Merino brings to these situations.
For Arsenal, that trust could prove important throughout a demanding season involving domestic competitions and European football.
Why Arteta Values Merino’s Versatility
Arteta has consistently sought players capable of performing different tactical responsibilities. Modern football requires midfielders to contribute both defensively and offensively, and Merino’s versatility gives Arsenal additional options.
Although he is not a conventional centre-forward, he can occupy attacking spaces and challenge defenders in the penalty area.
His height, physical presence and timing can make him dangerous when Arsenal deliver crosses or create opportunities from set pieces.
These qualities became particularly evident in February 2025, when Merino scored twice after being introduced as a striker during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City.
The performance demonstrated that he could make a difference in an unfamiliar position.
It also gave Arteta another possible solution when his preferred attacking options were unavailable.
However, playing Merino up front should not necessarily be interpreted as a permanent replacement for a specialist striker. His effectiveness depends on the opponent, the players available and the tactical requirements of each match.
Arteta’s challenge is to recognise when those qualities provide the greatest advantage.
Merino Offers More Than Goals
Goals naturally attract attention, but Merino’s contribution cannot be measured by scoring alone.
His movement helps Arsenal create space for other attacking players. By occupying defenders, he can open passing lanes and give teammates additional opportunities to penetrate the opposition’s defensive structure.
His aerial ability also provides an alternative attacking route when Arsenal struggle to create clear chances through intricate passing combinations.
These attributes are especially useful against teams that defend with several players behind the ball.
When conventional attacking movements become difficult, a midfielder arriving late in the penalty area can surprise defenders who are concentrating on the centre-forward.
Merino’s ability to recognise these opportunities makes him a valuable tactical option.
He also contributes to Arsenal’s work without the ball. His physical presence and willingness to compete can help the team maintain pressure and recover possession in important areas.
For a club seeking consistency across several competitions, players who contribute in multiple phases of the game are particularly valuable.
The Debate Over Merino and Gyökeres
One of the most interesting questions surrounding Arsenal’s attacking options is how Merino’s role compares with that of Viktor Gyökeres.
Gyökeres is a recognised striker whose responsibilities include occupying centre-backs, stretching defensive lines and finishing opportunities.
Merino brings a different profile. His midfield background means that he can offer additional movement between the lines while still threatening the penalty area.
Following the Chelsea match in November 2025, Walcott suggested that Merino was more trusted in major games and indicated that Gyökeres could be used as an impact player in certain circumstances.
That assessment reflected a discussion about tactical suitability rather than a definitive judgment that one player is universally better than the other.
A specialist striker can provide qualities that a midfielder playing up front cannot always reproduce. Equally, Merino can offer advantages when Arteta wants a different type of movement or greater flexibility.
The best decision depends on the circumstances.
Arsenal supporters will therefore be interested in how Arteta balances these options when facing opponents with different defensive approaches.
A Valuable Option in European Competition
Arsenal’s ambitions extend beyond domestic football, making squad depth an important consideration.
European matches frequently require tactical adjustments, particularly when opponents use unfamiliar formations or attempt to control possession.
Merino’s experience in Spanish football and international competition gives him a useful background for these challenges.
His ability to operate in midfield while making forward runs can help Arsenal adapt during matches.
He can also provide a physical presence against opponents who dominate aerial duels.
Such versatility becomes particularly important when injuries, suspensions or fixture congestion reduce the manager’s available choices.
Instead of relying on one tactical approach, Arteta can adjust his formation and use Merino according to the demands of the contest.
That flexibility could help Arsenal remain competitive during periods when several important players are unavailable.
Arteta Must Find the Right Balance
Despite Merino’s strengths, Arsenal must ensure that his versatility does not become a substitute for a clear attacking plan.
Playing a midfielder as a striker can work in particular circumstances, but it also changes how the team creates chances and occupies defensive spaces.
Against opponents who defend aggressively, Merino’s movement might help Arsenal exploit gaps. Against teams that sit deep, the manager must consider whether a recognised centre-forward would provide a more effective presence in the penalty area.
The same principle applies in midfield, where Merino’s physicality and tactical understanding must be balanced against the technical and creative qualities of his teammates.
Arteta’s responsibility is to identify the right combination for each opponent.
Walcott’s assessment adds to the discussion surrounding that responsibility by highlighting the importance of experience and trust in high-pressure matches.
Conclusion: Merino’s Importance to Arsenal
Mikel Merino may not always attract the same attention as Arsenal’s biggest attacking names, but his versatility makes him an important member of Arteta’s squad.
His ability to contribute in midfield, arrive in dangerous attacking positions and provide an alternative option up front gives Arsenal additional tactical possibilities.
Theo Walcott’s reported assessment of Merino’s reliability in major matches highlights why managers sometimes favour players who understand the demands of a contest over those who fit a conventional positional profile.
For Arsenal, the key is finding the right circumstances in which to use those qualities.
Merino does not need to replace every specialist midfielder or striker to make a significant contribution. Instead, his value lies in giving Arteta another way to approach difficult matches.
If he continues to provide intelligent movement, physical strength and dependable performances, Merino can remain an important part of Arsenal’s plans as the club pursues its ambitions in England and Europe.
