Myles Lewis-Skelly has named Mikel Merino as his 'most underrated' teammate at Arsenal, insisting the midfielder 'doesn't get the credit' he deserves. The 19-year-old's comments came in an interview with the Premier League, where he praised the Spaniard's footballing intelligence and goal-scoring ability.
Merino's Arsenal impact
Merino joined Arsenal in the summer of 2024 from Real Sociedad and has proven himself to be a versatile part of Mikel Arteta's squad. The Spaniard has 16 goals and eight assists in 85 appearances for the Gunners and has regularly provided cover up front when injuries left Arsenal short of options.
Despite his contributions, Merino is yet to start a Premier League match this season, with the form of Lewis-Skelly and the summer arrival of Bruno Guimaraes pushing him down the pecking order.
'He should get the props'
Lewis-Skelly believes the 30-year-old should receive far more recognition for what he brings to the squad. 'That guy there, I don't feel like he gets the credit he deserves, man,' Lewis-Skelly said. 'Because even today I was speaking to him about, well, how do you score so many goals? I want to learn because I want to add that to my game. The way he sees football is really good to learn from. He should get the props that he deserves.'
Asked how Merino complements Arsenal's midfield, Lewis-Skelly added: 'The desire to score, the positions, where to be on the field. I feel like he always knows where to be, when to be there. That's something. As a football player, that's everything.'
International recognition
Merino also received praise from Spain manager Luis de la Fuente over the international break after scoring a late brace to help Spain win 2-1 against Croatia in the Nations League. Speaking post-match, De la Fuente said: 'It's an honour to coach a player like that. He has made it absolutely clear why I would have carried him in my arms to the World Cup.'
'In another country he would be more appreciated — I hope that changes. I hope more will be done. Merino is one of the best in the world in his position. He has the class to play in any team and can always play, obviously. He knows how to understand these moments of the match. He has that gift that is the sense of the goal, for important goals, too.'
