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✍️ OFFICIAL Mikel Merino

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OnlyOne

Leave the forum, before the forum leaves you 🕊️

Country: England
Not sure if there’s any truth in it but remember the Atheltic saying a few weeks ago that Arteta prefer Rice as the 8, because he essentially does the defensive job of a 6 but then can also break forward as well.

Yeah but that's likely because we didn't have anyone in 8 who had good defensive & offensive qualities. Rice offered that and now Merino will.
 

field442

Hates Journalists Named James
Not sure if there’s any truth in it but remember the Atheltic saying a few weeks ago that Arteta prefer Rice as the 8, because he essentially does the defensive job of a 6 but then can also break forward as well.

I tend to take no notice of these Athletic fluff pieces anymore. Page fillers with lots of waffling. In the same article they were saying the thinking is Partey may have to go before we can strengthen in midfield and that a signing may change the dynamic (how Rice is used).
 

MikelHadADream

...and then He woke up sweating !!!
I tend to take no notice of these Athletic fluff pieces anymore. Page fillers with lots of waffling. In the same article they were saying the thinking is Partey may have to go before we can strengthen in midfield and that a signing may change the dynamic (how Rice is used).

Do think it was from Gunnerblog tbf so have to take it with a pinch of salt.
 
Jack is such an idiot for putting on so much muscle back then. Lost his agility and burst, and fancied himself as an English midfield clogger idolising Stevie Me instead of players of his (s)ilk like Iniesta, Santi, etc.

Think I remember reading he did it to try and offer more injury protection.
 
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Halcyon Daze

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Also worth remembering we’ve transcended from being absolute poverty at set pieces to the best in the league. The fella’s 6’2’’. Another helpful addition defending set pieces. But also from an attacking standpoint, that header against Germany was technically outstanding imo. For the money, and the problems he can resolve in the squad, I’m seriously liking this business. Feels like the days of being slapped about are over; now we’re the bullies. Bring it on.
 

Red London

Anti-Simp Culture
For me Rice is first and foremost a 6, so I hope that's where he's utilized. I wanted a bit more attacking prowess and creativity at 8 than Marino offers, but for the price it's a good squad option. Still would've preferred a Barella type player (don't know who, though). Think Marino could comfortably interchange with Rice in the tougher games which is a plus.
Me too regarding Barella. But unfortunately he seems to be a unicorn player when we’re talking about players of that playstyle you can come in and start contributing right away.

Not many super technical yet rugged number 8s out there.
 

Red London

Anti-Simp Culture
Not sure if there’s any truth in it but remember the Atheltic saying a few weeks ago that Arteta prefer Rice as the 8, because he essentially does the defensive job of a 6 but then can also break forward as well.
I see why. Rice is so mobile he can operate as a 6/8 hybrid really well. You can argue you can flip that on its head and say why not Rice at 6 and have an elite ball progressor at 8, but I think it’s a bit different just because a DLP needs to be super deep for build up play at times.

Also, the primary issue is there’s not been any out there who can do that regista type of role at 6 or 8 in the market to a PL title competing standard. When you then look at the fact we didn’t find a buyer for Partey, I see why we opted for a number 8 for now.
 
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