Mikel Arteta’s familiar starting lineup is set to undergo a change as one of its most active members this season could be replaced by another player.
Midfielder Thomas Partey, who seems to have overcome his fitness problems, having played and started in eight of Arsenal’s nine matches this season, could be replaced by the recently recovered Mikel Merino.
Merino made his eagerly awaited Arsenal debut on Tuesday night in the Champions League victory over Paris St. Germain, 2-0.
In just 30 minutes of action, the Spaniard won two tackles and four duels. He also completed six correct passes, three recoveries, and two clearances.
Partey, on the other hand, was substituted in the 64th minute after only four recoveries and three interceptions.
Arteta praises Merino
After the game, Arsenal boss Arteta heaped praise on the 28-year-old midfielder for an impressive debut.
Really good, because he joined us and first session he got injured. He had only one session with us, he was ready, he was really willing to be part of this today and obviously with the injuries and changes we had to make, we believe that he was the player that could help us in that phase,” he said, via Arsenal official website.
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Merino to replace Partey in Arteta’s starting 11
With Merino’s excellent display on Tuesday, the Gunners fans are eagerly anticipating when he will get an extended run with the first team.
Given that Merino replaced Partey in his first game for the team, it seems inevitable that the Spaniard will be Declan Rice’s long-term partner in the middle of the park.
Rice played as the left ‘8’ during his partnership with Partey, while the Ghanaian midfielder was the 6. But with Merino’s introduction, the England international moved to 6.
Partey has become a burden on the field lately as he has lost a soring in his step and struggled to keep up with the pace.
While Merino may not start in place of the ex-Atletico star against Southampton this weekend, he’ll almost certainly establish himself as an integral part of Arteta’s starting setup, forming the Declan Rice-Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Merino partnership in midfield.
This could be seen against after the international break when Arteta’s side take on Bournemouth in the league, when Odegaard is anticipated to be fully fit.