Props are probably overdue for Mikel Merino

I, like many, have been really impressed in how he?s stepped up in recent weeks. He?s come into his own since Havertz was sidelined.
The sublime 3rd vs Madrid takes measured quality to execute. Great with his head and that composed through ball for Martinelli?s winner.
Not sure how Arteta aims to balance the squad next season with an additional midfielder and forward looking likely, but right now, it?s shaping up to be quite the headache with White, Partey, Nwaneri, Calafiori all quality and wanting first team football.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 7sisters

I, like many, have been really impressed in how he?s stepped up in recent weeks. He?s come into his own since Havertz was sidelined.
The sublime 3rd vs Madrid takes measured quality to execute. Great with his head and that composed through ball for Martinelli?s winner.
Not sure how Arteta aims to balance the squad next season with an additional midfielder and forward looking likely, but right now, it?s shaping up to be quite the headache with White, Partey, Nwaneri, Calafiori all quality and wanting first team football.

---

Yup. 2 years ago, he got a new MF with Dec at DM and Kai at inside left. This year the thought MnM at inside left with Kai up top.

Yet Dec is playing so well further forward, it looks like we'll get a DM - Zubi? - to replace Wigwam and a striker. So what happens to Kai and MnM?

Even though he's been playing out of position, a run in the side is seeing the best of MnM. Both those assists are the sort of passes we'd want an AMF to make. God alone knows how MA will shuffle it all if, Ganpati willing, we ever have everyone fit.