It has been claimed that Mikel Arteta has found a replacement for Declan Rice amidst his injury. The truth of the matter is, various rumors concerning injuries and tactical changes at Arsenal have recently popped up. In the last interview, the Arsenal manager mentioned Mikel Merino as Rice’s replacement for Aston Villa match. However, the substitution of Rice by Merino in its entirety is simply too much of a stretch.
What do we know about the temporary deputy? Mikel Arteta, Declan Rice
During the 2–0 victory of Arsenal over Brentford FC, Merino not only opened the scoresheet but also led the team to a clean sheet and a total of three points.
Unfortunately, later on in the same game, Rice was seen walking off the field with what looked like a calf injury.
Arsenal manager Arteta told the press after the match that Rice’s condition is uncertain. The team is under a lot of pressure due to the many injuries in the squad.
Merino who was brought as a midfielder from Real Sociedad in 2024 has been transformed into a very versatile utility player. At one point Arteta even referred to Merino as “immense” during the Brentford game.
Can Merino be that Man?
So Merino indeed pumped up the volume in a challenging situation. He has been “out of position” and has allowed Arsenal to continue their march. Despite the absence of Rice or other key players, he is doing his duty. However, this is more about the team’s adaptability and flexibility rather than a complete substitution.
What are the reasons for “replacement” being an inaccurate term?
Rice and Merino are different types of players. Rice is a world-class defensive midfielder, who is strong in tackles, interceptions, dominating the midfield, and showing leadership qualities. Contrarily, Merino is more of a box-to-box or central midfielder by nature and now, due to injuries and tactical constraints, he is sometimes a makeshift forward.
Moreover, the term “replacement” implies that the position is permanent. Yet Injuries in the Arsenal team under Arteta’s management, have been the cause of short-term changes in players’ roles rather than permanent ones, as the club has pointed out several times. The day after Brentford defeating, Arteta said “players are not machines” as a reminder.
Good squad depth and a flexible squad help, of course. However, to convert Merino into a “new Rice” would require stability in the midfield and consistency. This can be done for a number of games, neither of which is the case at the moment.
What Arteta and Arsenal seem to be doing instead
Arteta seems to be smartly handling a rough patch of his career.
Due to the overlapping injury problems of forwards and the injury of the midfield, Merino can be used by the manager as a temporary short-term solution. Merino’s technical skill and readiness to change make him a very valuable “utility player.”
He uses squad rotation and reshuffling especially when the team lacks the presence of traditional defensive midfielders or strikers.
He also publicly reminded that recovery, rest and managing player’s wellness are of great importance. It becomes more significant particularly under congested schedules.
Simply put: Arteta is filling the gaps for the short-term, not rethinking his core midfield.
Author’s Insight
The article that Mikel Arteta “found a Declan Rice replacement in Mikel Merino” is more of a headline than an actual fact. Merino is perfect for the role. He is doing a great job at Arsenal in a difficult situation. However, this is only a temporary fix and not a long term reshuffle.
For Arsenal fans this can be a minor relief. Nevertheless, the football world, especially the role, identity, and influence of Rice, will always be one of a kind. That’s right, Merino’s work gets the thumbs up, but not the title of ”replacement”.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
