Mikel Arteta Identifies Two Arsenal Players Who ‘Must Improve’ Following Recent Review
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has candidly assessed his squad’s performance, singling out Jakub Kiwior and Mikel Merino as players who “must improve more” to meet the club’s high standards. Speaking during a recent press conference, Arteta highlighted their potential but urged both players to address specific areas of their game.
Jakub Kiwior: Adjusting to the Premier League
Since joining Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023, Jakub Kiwior has shown flashes of promise but struggled to consistently deliver in the Premier League. The 23-year-old Polish defender, noted for his versatility and ball-playing ability, has had difficulty adapting to the league’s physicality and speed.
Arteta acknowledged Kiwior’s strengths while stressing the need for improvement:
> “Jakub is a young player with incredible talent. He has all the attributes to be a top defender, but adapting to the Premier League is never easy. He needs to be more aggressive and assertive in his decisions. We believe in him, but he must take responsibility and work harder to improve.”
While Kiwior has performed well in cup competitions, his league performances have been inconsistent, showing that while he remains part of Arsenal’s long-term plans, he must develop quickly to secure a regular starting role.
Mikel Merino: Achieving Consistency in Midfield
Mikel Merino, a summer signing from Real Sociedad, has also faced challenges in adapting to English football. Despite his reputation for vision, passing range, and game management, the Spanish midfielder has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in high-intensity matches.
Arteta emphasized the need for Merino to elevate his game:
> “Mikel is an intelligent player with great technical quality. However, in this league, you must be relentless in every game. He needs to improve his defensive work rate and physicality in transitions. We know what he can bring to the team, but he must push himself to reach that level consistently.”
Merino’s ability to adapt to the Premier League’s pace and physicality will be crucial for him to fulfill his potential and become a key contributor to Arsenal’s midfield.
Arteta’s Message: Talent Is Not Enough
Arteta’s comments reflect his high expectations as Arsenal aim for success both domestically and in Europe. He stressed that while Kiwior and Merino possess talent, consistent effort and the right mentality are essential.
> “At Arsenal, we demand excellence every single day. Jakub and Mikel have the talent, but talent must be matched with the right mentality and work ethic. We’re here to support them, but it’s up to them to rise to the challenge.”
Looking Ahead
Both players will have opportunities to prove themselves as Arsenal competes on multiple fronts. For Kiwior, regular minutes in cup matches and select league starts could help him gain confidence. For Merino, mastering the demands of high-intensity games will be critical to cementing his place in the team.
Arteta’s remarks serve as a reminder to the entire squad of the continuous improvement expected under his leadership. As the Gunners push for silverware, the development of Kiwior and Merino could be pivotal in their journey.
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