Midfielder Mikel Merino has named three Arsenal players he considers “special” at the club following their 3-0 win over Monaco

Mikel Merino has expressed his belief that Arsenal’s midfield trio can finally reach its full potential now that Mikel Arteta’s first-choice combination has taken the field together.

The Gunners’ 3-0 Champions League victory over Monaco on Wednesday marked the first time Merino, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice started together this season. The trio’s long-awaited partnership comes almost four months into the campaign, delayed by injuries and tactical adjustments.

Merino, a summer signing from Real Sociedad, was brought in to fill the left-sided No. 8 role vacated by Granit Xhaka. However, his Arsenal career began with a setback—a shoulder injury suffered during his first training session at London Colney ruled him out for over a month.

During Merino’s recovery, captain Ødegaard was sidelined with an ankle injury, forcing Arteta to rely on Thomas Partey and Declan Rice in a restructured midfield. Partey’s strong performances secured his place in the lineup, even after Ødegaard’s return to fitness, though the Ghanaian was deployed at right-back against Monaco due to a defensive injury crisis

Mikel Merino has expressed his belief that Arsenal’s midfield trio can finally reach its full potential now that Mikel Arteta’s first-choice combination has taken the field together.

The Gunners’ 3-0 Champions League victory over Monaco on Wednesday marked the first time Merino, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice started together this season. The trio’s long-awaited partnership comes almost four months into the campaign, delayed by injuries and tactical adjustments.

Merino, a summer signing from Real Sociedad, was brought in to fill the left-sided No. 8 role vacated by Granit Xhaka. However, his Arsenal career began with a setback—a shoulder injury suffered during his first training session at London Colney ruled him out for over a month.

During Merino’s recovery, captain Ødegaard was sidelined with an ankle injury, forcing Arteta to rely on Thomas Partey and Declan Rice in a restructured midfield. Partey’s strong performances secured his place in the lineup, even after Ødegaard’s return to fitness, though the Ghanaian was deployed at right-back against Monaco due to a defensive injury crisis.

Reflecting on the Monaco match, Merino praised the chemistry between himself, Rice, and Ødegaard.

Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice

“Today was a special midfield for the team, and I felt really comfortable with those two,” Merino said. “They are top-class players. The three of us complement each other very well. We have different qualities and characteristics, but at the same time, we know how to play with each other. It’s about spending more time together to learn how we can bring out the best in each other.”

The win leaves Arsenal third in the Champions League group table, on track to qualify directly for the last 16 with just two rounds of matches remaining. The Gunners are eyeing a deeper run in Europe’s premier competition after returning last season following a six-year absence, only to fall to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Mikel Merino highlighted the importance of learning from the Champions League’s most successful team, Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid have been incredibly good at focusing on the small details and decisive moments that win games,” Merino said. “The Champions League demands maturity, and I feel that this Arsenal team is becoming very composed. Even when we don’t have control of the game, we manage it calmly and don’t panic, which shows the growth of the team.”