Despite the injury problems at Arsenal this season, Mikel Arteta has done a great job, leading the team second in the Premier League and a semi-final of the Champions League.
Such problems have enabled many players to claim their complaints as regular in the first team, many of which took their opportunity with both hands.
The left back Myles Lewis-Skelly has come out of the configuration of the academy in recent months and has nailed the position as his despite his tender age.
The 18 -year -old has fact 31 appearances all competitions Since its beginnings in September, going from force to force under the direction of Spanish.
He was joined in the side by a player who managed to play, although in a role in which he never previously presented during his stay in northern London.
The role of Mikel Merino as a central center in Arsenal
Central midfielder Mikel Merino joined Arsenal in summer from Real Sociedad, seeking to cement his place in the heart of the team alongside Declan Rice.
While he started the season in his natural position, the injury crisis at the upper end of the field has seen the Spanish go to a center -forward position – a decision that has done wonders in recent weeks.
He got out of the bench against Leicester City at 0-0, marking twice in the closing stagesSelfless victory for Arteta’s men, leading to its regular inclusion as a focal point.
The 28 -year -old has since recorded four goals and three assists In such a role, with three of his seven efforts on the two legs of the Champions League quarter -final with Real Madrid.
Given such a successful transition for Merino, it would be a risk of changing the player in mind, but Arteta could do exactly this using another player out of position.
The arsenal star who could repeat
The decisions made by Arteta in the past two months have been complete projections, which has led to the success they endured on the ground.
With such problems afflicting the team lately, many would expect the box on the finish line, but they have exceeded all expectations – having the possibility of ending the season by demanding their first European title.
While Merino did a sensational job at the top, the boss could repeat such a trick using Ethan Nwaneri as the central attacker to balance the workload.
The 18 -year -old has experienced his own breakthrough this season, Eight goals in his 32 appearances In all competitions – with Lewis -Skelly in the Emirates.
While the teenager is mainly a large player, he has all the tools to play in a central position, potentially carrying his career at another level in such a role.
Nwaneri, who was labeled “stunning“By Jeorge Bird, a Save 2.3 plans by 90 In the Premier League this season, having the skills to thrive in the last third.
It is also completed 3.6 dribbles for 90At a completion rate of 65%, capable of leading to the bottom line of the opposition when he falls deeply, allowing Bukayo Saka to run behind.
Ethan Nwaneri’s statistics for Arsenal in PL (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (by 90) | Scoring |
Played Games | 22 |
Objectives and assists | 5 |
Precision | 89% |
Clips taken | 2.3 |
Successful dribbles | 3.6 |
Success rate | 65% |
Duels have won | 5.8 |
Statistics via Fotmob | |
Despite his small executive, he managed to Win 5.8 duels per 90 this seasonSubsequently, being able to move and make the defender’s work even more difficult than it would have been by Merino.
While the Spaniard has done an impressive job in the role, the return of Saka undoubtedly limited the minutes of the first team for Nwaneri, Arteta needing an alternative to continue its development.
A transition to a central position could work for the side, offering another dimension to their attack in its quest for European glory in the coming months.
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