Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has revealed that the team’s strength in set pieces, which has become a key weapon under specialist coach Nicolas Jover, draws inspiration from basketball and American football. Speaking ahead of the FA Cup third-round clash against Manchester United, Merino highlighted how these sports have influenced Arsenal’s approach.
“There are similarities with basketball and American football,” Merino explained. “Set pieces are a crucial part of today’s game. Scoring or conceding from them can change the momentum, forcing the opposing team to attack more and leave space for us. It’s all about the details, and you can learn from other sports.”
Basketball, a second passion for Merino after football, has played a significant role in this strategizing. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has previously used NBA footage to teach players about attacking movement and off-the-ball runs to confuse defenders. Although Merino, who joined Arsenal in August but debuted in October due to a shoulder injury, hasn’t experienced this method yet, he sees its value.
“The way Mikel engages with players is unique, smart, and practical,” Merino said. “Basketball is about movement, freedom, and switching positions, so it makes sense to take lessons from it.”
Off the pitch, Merino is an avid reader, particularly of biographies about basketball legends like Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant. He shared, “I’ve been reading books that inspire me. Biographies of athletes like Kobe and Jordan give me insights I can apply to my game or life.”
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