Mikel Merino has humorously remarked on how he feels dwarfed in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad, likening the team’s physical stature to a “basketball team.” In a recent Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, nine out of Arsenal’s starting eleven players were over 6 feet tall, with only Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard (both standing at 5ft 8in) below that height.
Since taking over as Arsenal manager nearly five years ago, Arteta has emphasized not just technical ability, but also physical strength as key components in shaping a well-rounded team. According to The Sun, Arteta even uses basketball clips to demonstrate how taller players can use their size to create space and dominate on the field.
Merino, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window, shared his surprise at the height of his new teammates. “It’s crazy. Back at my old club, I used to be one of the tallest, but now I look around, and everyone’s taller than me. We really do look like a basketball team,” Merino joked.
However, the 28-year-old midfielder stressed that physicality alone isn’t enough to succeed at the top level. “It’s not just about being tall and strong—you need the right mentality. If you don’t go into every challenge with the full intention of winning, your size doesn’t matter,” Merino said.
Merino, known for his strength in duels at Real Sociedad where he won 326 last season, now faces a new challenge at Arsenal. While controlling the midfield remains his primary duty, he admitted that the team expects him to contribute more in the attacking third. “One reason I’m here is because I can be a threat in the opposition’s box. It’s something I’m working on, and I know I have the potential to improve,” he acknowledged.
Despite their physical prowess, Arsenal’s campaign has hit a bump after a recent loss to Bournemouth. The defeat leaves the Gunners in third place in the Premier League standings, trailing second-placed Manchester City by three points and leaders Liverpool by four after eight matches.
With a blend of technical ability, physical dominance, and a determined mentality, Merino believes Arsenal is poised for success as they aim to push further in their title pursuit.
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