EPL: He has an unbelievable football brain – Arteta hails new Arsenal midfielder

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EPL: He has an unbelievable football brain – Arteta hails new Arsenal midfielder

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has claimed that Mikel Merino is very desperate to make his debut for the club.

The Spain midfielder is yet to play for the Gunners following his summer move from Real Sociedad.

Merino was injured in his first training session, but is back out on the pitch.

“We have to keep him in the cage! He’s been pushing everybody, all the physios, the doctors, everybody,” Arteta said.

“He really wants it. We’re ready now to start exposing him with contact, and he looks really good in training.”

On his qualities, Arteta added: “He’s got an unbelievable football brain. He’s so intelligent the way he decides, the way he occupies spaces, he makes decisions. It’s very rare to see that.

“He’s a really talented player in defending or attacking phases. He can do things which complement the qualities we have in midfield. He’s got physicality, then he’s also a big threat in the opponents’ box too.”