Mikel Merino on Arsenal's new style, 'finishers' and why they can't have a small squad

Arsenal star Mikel Merino is happy to play whatever role he can as the Gunners look to compete on all four fronts and finally end their long wait for the Champions League

Mikel Merino says Arsenal’s entire squad have bought into their new “new style.”

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta oversaw a shake-up of his fitness and medical staff in the summer and has also been at pains to stress the importance of “finishers” playing a key role from the bench.

Merino has yet to start in the Premier League this season, but has come on in all six of their games and insists he is very happy to play his part.

World Cup winner Merino started against Lille in the Champions League and it was other substitutes - including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard - who really came on to seal the win.

But Merino says they are all buying into Arteta’s grand plan for this season with the Spain midfielder admitting there is a new approach when it comes to substitutes being ready and winning games late on.

Rugby first coined the “finishers” phrase with players coming on against tired opponents. Now Arteta is sending a clear message to his whole match day squad that they are all involved.

Merino said: “There’s a new style absolutely. That’s very personal, some players might like something and some players might like other things.

“I do like a lot what we’re doing, you can see the squad is fresh and ready to play at the highest level with the highest rhythm to the last minute. That’s good news. I don’t want to speak too much about it, to reveal anything or compare two different staff members.

“We really loved the guys who were here before and really appreciated the work they were putting in for us. The team was ready last season, this season it’s a different concept that’s working, congratulations to everyone.”

Substitutes making an impact from the bench is not new and nor is players doing different, intense warm-ups. But Merino was talking about a different mindset, different messages and also more detailed instructions when players come on.

Merino is also the epitome of a model pro and a manager’s dream because he has won the biggest honours but is happy to be a good squad member and Arsenal do always have a wealth of international quality and experience on the bench.

Merino said: “Mentality is key. Also a bit of intelligence to have the reference of how the game is going, not only the result but what are they doing on the pitch, the momentum of the game, if we’re attacking or defending, what the team needs from you in that moment and then adapt to it with the best attitude possible.

“Mentality is the main concept when you score late in the game. When you get tired physically you get tired mentally.

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"This team is proving that [they don’t], not only the guys on the pitch are always focused but the guys who come on for the last couple of minutes. They come ready to make an impact. It also speaks highly about the quality of the squad.

“It’s the key of this squad. Everyone is ready when they have the chance. With the amount of games we have, you see the squads are getting bigger and bigger.

"There is no chance we could have a small squad. You need the biggest squad possible with most quality possible. I’m a perfect example of this, the finishers are crucial. I’ve had the opportunity to show it with club and country. We’re all ready to play our part.

“I’m happy to play to be fair. Whenever I’m on the pitch I’m with the best mentality, the best character to make an impact and put everything I have on the pitch.

“It’s always pressure, there’s always consequences if you do or don’t play well. We’re used to that. We’re professionals, we can’t think like that, we just have to think positive on what things we can do to help our team.”