William Saliba and Kai Havertz, two 6′ 4″ giants, led that impressive lineup along with giants Merino, David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Ben White, Declan Rice, and Thomas Partey.In his pursuit of Premier League three-pointers, head coach Arteta has made it his goal to put together a team that possesses both technical skill and formidable physical attributes. This has been his goal since taking over the team over five years ago. 

This offensively prolific Arsenal club is a terrifying sight in the tunnel before kickoff, especially when it comes to set-pieces, when their slam-dunk corner routines terrorize opponents.

But these big guys can move, too, much like the Harlem Globetrotters who cover the field with an incredible blend of elegance, intelligence, and bulk. 

SunSport even knows that Arteta encourages teammates to make better use of their size by showing them basketball films and using deft movement to create space.Merino went on: “You need a good team because football has changed in the modern era. Being physically strong is essential, and we must form the strongest team we can.  

“To achieve great things as we aspire to, you need the technical, tactical, and physical aspects—you need to be a whole team.Being large and tall is not enough; you also need to have the right mindset. 

It means nothing if you are large and tall and don’t go in with the whole aim of winning the ball.

Set pieces play a significant role in the game and have a great impact on your win or loss.

“We have the physical advantage and train a lot. However, our mindset is the most important factor. 

With a penchant for winning duels, Merino moved to North London for £27.4 million from Sociedad. In the previous season, he won 326 bouts, the highest in the top five leagues in Europe.

However, Merino asserts that he is much more than simply a midfield bruiser after earning his first Premier League start against the Cherries after recovering from an odd shoulder injury sustained in his first training session back in August.

“I can be a threat in the opposite box, which is one of the reasons I am here,” he remarked. I have to practice that more in order to grow better at it. It’s high above me.

“Obviously, a midfielder’s primary concern is not goals, but if you can score them, your game will change significantly.

“I’ve looked up to a lot of guys, including Patrick Vieira, Cesc Fabregas, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard—all-around midfielders who can win duels, score, defend, and play box-to-box.

“Obviously, Xavi and Andres Iniesta and their mentality of holding the ball and dominating through short passes existed in Spain.”

Having won the Euros with Spain and secured a pivotal move to Arsenal, Merino is coming off what he calls “the best summer” that “changed my life.” The Osasuna academy standout eliminated the hosts Germany in the quarterfinals with an extra-time winner and contributed to the final’s heartbreaking of the English.

In addition, Merino has won the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund, the Copa del Rey with Sociedad, and European championships with Spain’s Under-19 and Under-21 teams. These achievements demonstrate that Merino instills a winning mindset in a young, bright Arsenal team that is devoid of hardware.

When it comes to trying to win the Champions League for the first time and ending a 20-year Premier League drought, it appears that there is no better man to have on your side.

Merino gave the following explanation prior to their league-phase matchup at the Emirates against Shakhtar Donetsk: “I’ve been fortunate enough to win a lot of trophies in my career, I know the feeling.”

It is incomparable to anything else. Taking home the trophy and winning the competition would be incredible, given the nature of this club and the magnitude of the Champions League.The team is still very young, so the squad may not have much experience yet, but fortunately I have winning experiences, like being composed in the crucial moments of the semifinals or championship.

“That has to be the ultimate goal, but there is still a long way to go. I think we have the players, the basics, and the mentality.”