Mikel Arteta Highlights Importance of Midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino Ahead of Champions League Clash
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Mikel Arteta emphasized that Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are crucial players for Arsenal, even though neither is assured a starting position in upcoming matches.
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Ahead of the Champions League match against Slavia Prague, Arteta dismissed the notion that their significance is determined solely by their starting appearances.
“They are playing a pivotal role,” Arteta said. “If we focus on the players that are starting, obviously that’s something else.
“Mikel has started some games already, some important games and he’s coming from a World Cup, a very successful World Cup. We know the value of the players that we have in the squad.
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“They need to feel important. I do think that they feel very important and we have to make sure that they continue like that because if they have that spirit and that belief within themselves every time they play, they will make things happen for the team to win the game.”
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The competition in Arsenal’s midfield has intensified following Bruno Guimarães‘ summer signing. Zubimendi’s season has also faced setbacks due to injury.
Although his only starts have come in the League Cup, Arteta firmly asserted Zubimendi’s significance in the squad.
“He’s a very important player for us,” Arteta said. “He’s been a bit unlucky with what happened with the ankle, with the nose afterwards. He had some minutes as well and we have options in midfield.
“Like anybody else, everybody has to be ready. Everybody is going to have the chances to play. Then it’s about performing and helping the team to win football matches. But, his energy, his application, his will to help is unquestionable and he’s an unbelievable player for us.”
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