Thread by @MT_Analysis

Mikel Merino — More Than Just A Duel Machine

thread🔻

Mikel Merino had just won the EURO 2024 with Spain last week — where he played in every match and helped to score a crucial winning goal against the host.

His name is now being closely linked with Barcelona and Arsenal.

The ex-Newcastle has just one year left on his contract, making him a great signing opportunity for many clubs.

Merino has to choose whether to stay at La Liga or try his 2nd challenge at the Premier League.

I try to analyze his previous games with Real Sociedad to see why Barcelona & Arsenal are interested in bringing Merino.

Under Imanol Alguacil last season, Real Sociedad is one of the teams that mix the style of play between fast & direct and slow & intricate.

(@OptaAnalyst)

Zubimendi has the most responsibility when building out from the back while Merino serves more as the connector/facilitator in the middle & final third.

This impacted Merino’s passing volume which is in the 54th percentile among midfielders — despite that, he shows good technique at executing the pass,

Although, he can be too vertical which causes turnovers.

At times, Merino drops to receive and/or form a double pivot with DM.

He prefers to play safe when receiving back to goal against pressure — protects the ball well with his body but is not press-resistant enough.

Merino played a couple of games at RCM but mostly operates on the LHS — connecting the play, helping the overloads/combination play, and interchanging positions.

Help the winger to move inside.

Entering the final third, Merino often receives in the pockets/BTL and facilitates others with his pass/movements.

He likes to release the ball quickly with 1-2 touches — great vision to pick and execute the most dangerous option available.

To take advantage of his aerial presence and box-crashing movements, Real Sociedad often targets Merino where he can directly attack it or bounce it for other attackers.

Screen & bounce.

Not only inside the penalty box, Mikel Merino is often the target for the long balls to help Real Sociedad gain territory ➡️ progression.

The 6 ft 2 midfielder won 60 % of his aerial duel (87th percentile).

On the ground, Merino is a strong tackler and dueller with great defensive awareness/anticipation.

He looks slow but he’s not — reading the game well and looks to always be available (this helps even more for the rest defence).

When he and/or the team regain the ball — Merino has the ability to turn it into dangerous situations (break the lines, killer pass, combination play, etc).

Changing the flow of the game.

People might conclude that Merino is not a good midfielder based on his passing stats — but when you study Real Sociedad and his role under Imanol Alguacil, you can finally understand the ‘why’.

Some of Merino’s qualities that have been used for in-possession also translate well out-of-possession.

For high press, he looks to stay tight on his man & close the passing lanes first — waiting for the loose pass before engaging in the duel/intercept.

It can result in transitions but Merino has enough recovery pace to defend small/medium spaces with great defensive awareness/anticipation.

In the defensive block, Merino is often tasked to defend/cover the gaps between the LCB and LB on the inside channel.

He also provides a presence in the center and coverage in front of the CB.

There are questions on how Hansi Flick would set up tactically but Merino can provide more aerial and defensive presence while also offering technical qualities on the ball — the average height of their midfield is 177 cm.

He can also be the bridge between the young and older players.

For Arsenal, he can help to balance the attack and defence as the hybrid 6/8.

Arteta has been trying Havertz and Rice as the LCM — Merino can be in the middle of what the Spaniard really wants.

The potential signing of Calafiori & Merino also potentially increases Arsenal’s superiority in set-pieces and defence even more.

Imagine the LHS out-of-possession with Gabriel.