Arsenal’s Mikel Merino names Real Madrid star he is desperate to play alongside
Merino full of praise for the unsung Real Madrid hero.
Arsenal star Mikel Merino has named Rodrygo as the Real Madrid star he would most like to play alongside.
The Gunners host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday with Merino hoping to have a key role to play leading Mikel Arteta’s attack again.
Arsenal must find a way to contain a side that boasts Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, with the trio scoring 64 goals between them this season.
Ahead of Tuesday’s game, Merino spoke to Marca, asked which Real superstar he would most like to play with.
In response, the Spaniard turned to perhaps the unsung hero of Real’s fearsome attack in Rodrygo.
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‘It’s hard to pick one, but I’d probably say Rodrygo,’ Merino said.
‘I’m not saying he’s underrated, but he’s a player I really like: fast, physical, technical, he has great one-on-one skills, he’s good in space. Very complete.
‘Their level is incredible, both physically and in terms of quality,’ Merino said of the Real attack.
‘At first, it was difficult for them to connect with everyone, but now they’re connecting.
‘If you let your guard down for a second, if you don’t cover them properly, they can find an advantage and cause trouble.
‘We have a lot of respect for them, but we’re not afraid.’
Arsenal have been struck down by several key injuries at different stages this season.
Martin Odegaard was sidelined for three months from September to November with Bukayo Saka undergoing hamstring injury in December – making his grand return last week.
Both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out for the rest of the season with the club dealt another enormous blow last week with Gabriel Magalhaes now sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
‘We’re distinguished by the strength of our group,’ Merino said of the injuries that have hit Arsenal this season.
‘We’ll be affected by the same thing that has affected us with all the numerous injuries we’ve had during this difficult year.
‘There are many long-term absences of key players, but this squad has that: when someone is missing, others take responsibility and step up.
‘That said, Gabriel is incredibly important, and we’ve missed Saka a lot.’
