Mikel Merino picks out one key reason Arsenal can be true Champions League contenders

Mikel Merino played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal beat Monaco 3-0 (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has expressed his belief that the Gunners are ready to make their mark in the Champions League this season.

He highlighted the "maturity" within the squad and also pointed out the emergence of young full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly and the revamped midfield featuring himself, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard as key positives.

The 28-year-old, who was part of Spain's Euro-winning team last summer, also suggested that the Champions League could be anyone's game this year if a team can match Real Madrid's exceptional knack of performing when it matters in the competition.

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Merino stated: "We have an amazing squad, you can see it. The competition is at the highest, the level of every single player is huge. I think that's good news for the coach, for the club, for the squad because we're pushing each other and everyone has to raise the level to play. So yeah, I think that's a positive.

"The Champions League is a competition where small details and boxes are the things that change the game and you have to be really good at that. Real Madrid have been amazingly good at that in the past few years and I think it's going to keep being like that. So, the Champions League is a whole different thing and we have to be ready for every single game."

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Merino lauded his team's composure under pressure, highlighting their ability to remain calm and manage the game even when not in control. "We have a really mature team. You can see in some phases of the game where obviously you're not going to be 90 minutes being on top of the opponent and just dominating and you will have phases where you will have to defend.

"And in those phases where the team is not maybe in control of the game, we can manage it and I think the players are not panicking when they don't have the control of the game. So they are calm, composed and that shows maturity in that aspect too."

He was also full of praise for Lewis-Skelly after his Champions League debut against Monaco, adding: "He's an amazing guy. He's a really good kid, always humble, just trying to learn from the others, asking questions, not being worried of being judged for asking maybe a stupid question or whatever.

"He's always just trying to learn with a positive attitude and he also has that technical and physical level that will bring a lot of joy to the people who watch him play. You could see the composure, you could see the quality he has."

Furthermore, Merino enjoyed playing alongside Rice and Odegaard, adding: "It was a special midfield for the team and I felt really comfortable with those two. I mean, they are top class players. I think the three of us complement each other very well. We have different qualities and characteristics, but at the same time, we know how to play with each other.

"It's about timing and more time with each other to learn what we want and where we want the ball and the places where we are comfortable. But yeah, I think anyone who plays in this midfield or any position in this team is doing a great job and that's the main thing."

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As Arsenal close in on a potential last-16 berth, with only one win potentially doing the job against Dinamo Zagreb at home next, he shared the team's aspirations: "This is the goal. I mean, you have to aim for the top places of the table. Right now, I think we are having a good season in the Champions League as well and we have to keep it up.

"We aim for the highest, obviously, with our feet on the ground because we have to stay humble and try to be focused on the things we can improve because there are obviously things we can improve. But also having in mind that we are an amazing team and we have to be confident and keep growing."

Mikel Merino picks out one key reason Arsenal can be true Champions League contenders

Mikel Merino picks out one key reason Arsenal can be true Champions League contenders

Mikel Merino picks out one key reason Arsenal can be true Champions League contenders

Mikel Merino picks out one key reason Arsenal can be true Champions League contenders

Mikel Merino picks out one key reason Arsenal can be true Champions League contenders