Arsenal welcome Bayern Munich to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday and one player in particular could have a huge say in proceedings
Mikel Arteta is preparing for a big week (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Eberechi Eze has been described as a “very complete” player by Arsenal team-mate Mikel Merino ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Eze, 27, scored a hat-trick in his first ever North London Derby following his mega £67.5million summer move to the Emirates Stadium. The Englishman stunned Tottenham with three sublime goals but, in truth, it could have been more for the former Crystal Palace man.
Merino believes all of Arsenal’s eight summer signings have added quality to the squad, with the additions helping push Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League. On Wednesday, though, Mikel Arteta’s side welcome German champions Bayern Munich to north London, which presents a real test for the league leaders.
Speaking after the weekend win over Tottenham, Merino praised Eze, who will want to make an impact against Bayern this week. “We have signed so many players who can be a difference. But you can see many other teams that have made big, big transfers as well,” the Spain international said.
“Even though individuals can win games, the main thing is the team and if you have very good individuals, but not sticking together, that is a problem. The good thing in this team is that everyone thinks about the team first, which is the main objective.
“I think he is very complete. He can dribble, he can pass the ball. He has one very good thing. He is really good like we say in Spain… associating with each other. In Spain we are born and we are raised with this talent of playing with each other, passing the ball and connecting.
“He is also mentality-driven to passing the ball and sharing the game but at the same time he can dribble and is very strong. He can shoot and is really complete. An amazing signing.
“I think now, everyone judges players in terms of goals and assists – numbers. It is what it is. But as football players we know that he is providing the team with a lot of quality and a lot of good movements, technically. In training sessions, you know how good he is.
“So yes, goals came but he is an unbelievable player and we are really, really lucky to have him. He can play in different positions and adapt to different styles. It was a massive signing for Arsenal.”
Merino also believes Eze’s attitude plus the competition in the squad is vital for the title challenge. He added: “You can see the calmness in Eberechi’s voice and the way he presents himself. He is very confident and also every morning, we sit in a sauna at the training ground and we can have a really good talk with him about everything.
“He is just a nice guy and already very integrated within the team and we need those type of players. Competition is high. A lot of quality in the squad. This is what the gaffer wanted to have many players available with the best quality possible.
“It is tough for him to make decisions over who is playing and who is not playing but at the same time, at every training session, we are pushing each other and everyone is getting the benefit.”
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