AT Real Sociedad, Mikel Merino saw himself as a giant of a man.
But after joining Arsenal in the summer, the 6ft 2in Spanish midfielder feels like one of the smallest members of Mikel Arteta’s elite group of NBA-sized man mountains.
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Mikel Merino has opened up on the physicality needed to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
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Arsenal have a physically imposing squadCredit: Alamy
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But Arteta wants more than just height and strength from his midfieldersCredit: Reuters
Merino, 28, laughed: “It is crazy. I am in the corridors of the training ground just walking, and back at my old club I used to be one of the tallest, so everyone was smaller than me.
“Now, I look around and everyone is taller than me. We look like a basketball team.”
In their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, the Gunners’ starting XI had NINE players above six foot — with just 5ft 8in duo Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard below that mark.
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Heading that lofty line-up was the 6ft 4in duo of William Saliba and Kai Havertz, along with fellow giants Merino, David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Ben White, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.
Since taking charge nearly five years ago, boss Arteta has made it his mission to assemble a squad not only with technical ability but powerful physiques to match, in their quest for Premier League three-pointers.
In the tunnel before kick-off, this net-busting Arsenal team are a frightening prospect for rivals, even more so from set-pieces with their slam-dunk corner routines striking fear into defenders.
But these big guys sure can shift, much like the Harlem Globetrotters covering the pitch with a stunning combination of bulk, brains and beauty.
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SunSport even understands Arteta shows basketball clips to members of his team to encourage them to use their size more efficiently, creating space with clever movement.
Merino continued: “Football now has changed and you need a strong team. Physicality is key and we need to be the most complete team possible.
“You need the physical aspect, technical aspect, the tactical one, you need to be a total team to achieve big things as we want to do.
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Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music
“It is not only about being tall and big, you need mentality. If you are tall and big but don’t go with the 100 per cent intention to win the ball, it’s just nothing.
“Set-pieces are a big part of the game and you can win or lose a lot because of that.
“We train a lot and have the physical advantage. But the main thing is the mentality and we have that.”
Merino arrived in North London for £27.4million from Sociedad with a reputation for dominating duels, winning 326 last term — the most in Europe’s top five leagues.
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But after making his first Prem start against the Cherries — having recovered from a freak shoulder injury suffered in his first training session back in August — Merino says he is much more than just a midfield bruiser.
He said: “That is one of the reasons I am here, because I can be a threat in the opposite box. That is something I need to work on to get better at. I have a high ceiling.
“Of course, goals are not the main thing for a midfielder but if you can provide them it is going to be a whole different thing for you as a player.
“I have admired a lot of players — Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Patrick Vieira — all-round midfielders that are box-to-box, can score, can defend, win duels.
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“Of course, in Spain we had Xavi, Andres Iniesta and that mentality of keeping the ball, dominating through short passes.”
Merino is coming off the back of what he describes as “the best summer”, one that “changed my life”, having won the Euros with Spain before earning a career-defining Arsenal switch.
The Osasuna academy star scored an extra-time winner in the quarter- finals to dump hosts Germany out and played his part in the final to break English hearts.
Add that to a German Cup win with Borussia Dortmund, a Copa del Rey title with Sociedad and European triumphs with Spain’s Under-19s and Under-21s, it is clear Merino brings a winning mentality to a talented Arsenal group that are young and hungry — but lacking silverware.
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It seems then there is no better man to have on your side when it comes to ending a 20-year Prem drought, as well as trying to win the Champions League for the first time.
Ahead of their league-phase clash with Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates, Merino explained: “I’ve been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in my career, I know the feeling.
“You cannot compare it with anything else. Knowing what this club is about and how big the Champions League is and winning trophies, winning the competition here would be amazing.
“The squad may not have the experience yet, it is a really young team, but luckily I have experiences of winning, when you have the moment of truth in the semis or final and to be able to keep that calmness.
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“There is still a long way to go to achieve that but I think we have the basics, the players, the mentality, and that has to be the ultimate goal.”
Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth
By Alex Crook
TEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.
The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.
Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.
Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.
Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.
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DAVID RAYA – 5 Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.
BEN WHITE – 4 England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 3 Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.
GABRIEL – 5 Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.
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RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6 Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.
THOMAS PARTEY – 5 Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.
DECLAN RICE – 5 Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.
RAHEEM STERLING – 4 Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.
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MIKEL MERINO – 5 Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4 Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5 The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.
As a result, United have taken drastic measures to ensure only their genuine fans are in the seats reserved for home supporters.
According to the Daily Mail, the club will only make tickets available to purchase to those who were registered members before the Europa League draw was made.
ERIK TEN HAG has hailed Jose Mourinho as an example for managers as he prepares to face him in Istanbul in the Europa League on Thursday.
Mourinho, now manager of Fenerbahce, added to his already impressive trophy haul with the League Cup and Europe League in his time at Manchester United.
Indeed that triumph in Stockholm in 2017 over Ajax was the last trophy United won back in 2017 until Ten Hag took charge and won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the last two seasons.
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Now the pair clash in Istanbul and United boss Ten Hag was full of praise for one of his predecessors at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag said: “It’s a big game for both of us.
“I really enjoy facing him and playing against him. He has always good teams, he is a winner – he has won so many trophies – I think he is an example for many, many managers.”
Ten Hag has been the most successful manager alongside Mourinho since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
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Still, he remains under pressure with United sitting below mid-table.
Ten Hag acknowledges that what happens now is all important.
He said: “It is football, you have to live for now.
“What happened is in the past, you have to prove yourself every day, you have to prove yourself every season so we have to go for it.
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“We are in the start of the season and we will see where we end but our target is to win a trophy again.”
The pressure was eased on Ten Hag with a comeback victory against Brentford on Saturday with 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund grabbing the second-half winner.
Ten Hag said: “He will always score. What is important is he is keeping fit.
“He picked up so many injuries in the first season and when he stays fit, he will score goals because that is proved in his stats.”
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Erik ten Hag’s struggles in European football have continued this term.
They kicked off this season’s campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente.
“It is not just about women’s rights, it’s about human rights and climate action. All of those things are hugely important but not as important to Fifa as the sponsorship money Aramco can bring.”
Saudi Arabia has been accused by critics of investing in various sports and using high-profile events to improve its international reputation.
Aramco has not commented on the letter from the women players, while Fifa told BBC Sport that sponsorship revenues were reinvested in the women’s game at all levels.
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While Middag, who is vice-chair of players union PFA Scotland, applauded that, she added: “We have to be aware of how these investments are used and how they are maybe to mask certain human rights abuses, which I don’t think we can stay silent about.
“I and more than 100 other female footballers have the possibility and freedom to speak out against sponsorship deals like these, but we know that women in Saudi Arabia don’t have that right and that’s why we want to make this stand.”
Joining Middag in signing the letter are Rangers team-mate Jane Ross, fellow Scotland international Lisa Evans, of Glasgow City, Celtic’s Mathilde Carstens, Hibernian’s Ciara Grant and Rosie Livingstone, Heart of Midlothian’s Emma Ilijoski, Dundee United’s Abbie Cusack, Motherwell’s Gillian Inglis and Spartans duo Ella Beaton-Hill and Hannah Jordan.
Going into the play-offs, Inter Miami’s biggest challengers will likely be fellow Eastern Conference side Columbus Crew, who have attracted plenty of plaudits thanks to the exciting style of play implemented by coach Wilfried Nancy.
Western Conference table-toppers Los Angeles FC, and the team finishing just behind them on goal difference, LA Galaxy, could also pose a threat.
Challengers for the league’s individual awards will also come from these teams. Coach of the year will be between Nancy and Martino, MVP will be between Messi and the Crew’s former Watford striker, Cucho Hernandez, while newcomer of the year will likely be one of Suarez or LA Galaxy’s brilliant Brazilian winger, Gabriel Pec.
The Golden Boot winner is already decided, though. It went to former Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke who has had an outstanding season with DC United, scoring 23 goals in 30 appearances.
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Suarez finished alongside Messi as Inter Miami’s top scorer with 20 goals from 27 appearances, continuing the form that produced 17 goals in 33 games for Gremio in 2023 and saw him named player of the year in the Brazilian league.
Though Messi played little more than half a season’s games in MLS in 2024, he has still been one of the most productive players in the league with 20 goals and 10 assists in 19 appearances. This, plus his wider impact, makes him favourite for the MVP award.
His mere presence at the David Beckham-owned franchise which joined the league in 2020 has helped transform them from a team that finished 14th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference in 2023 (27th out of 29 teams overall) to one that broke the regular season points record in 2024.
This stellar regular-season performance gives Miami benefits going into the play-offs. As the top seed they will retain home advantage throughout, and the MLS Cup final is played at the home of the highest-seeded team involved which, should they get that far, would be Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
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Messi lifting the Supporters’ Shield has served to increase the esteem in which the regular-season title is held. He and his former Barcelona team-mates, used to playing in a football culture where the league winner is the champion, will certainly have valued it, but they recognise that this is a new adventure and a different way of doing things, and they want to succeed in this culture too.
BILL BELICHICK has started engagement ring shopping for his 24-year-old sweetheart as shock wedding plans begin to take shape, a source close to the NFL coaching legend has told The U.S. Sun.
According to the well-placed insider, the 72-year-old six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has been to “around 20” stores in New York and Los Angeles over the last two months as he considers proposing to new flame Jordon Hudson.
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Jordon Hudson with Bill Belichick along with family and friendsCredit: INSTAGRAM
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Belichick spent the day at a maze with Jordan and their close palsCredit: INSTAGRAM
The source confirmed that plans are in place to get engaged to the former cheerleader “after the end of the season”.
The U.S. Sun has extensively reported on how the former New England Patriots coach loves his new life after stepping away from the hot seat after 23 years at the end of last season.
A source revealed that Belichick was “living like a 25-year-old man” as he enjoyed time away from the NFL by throwing himself into punditry and his new relationship.
He also revealed that the coaching great has been quizzing pals about the best way to propose and possible locations.
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“Since last June, has has talked that he loves her and that he sees his future with her,” said a close friend.
“Their relationship makes him feel happy and complete.
“She understands him and supports him.
“He has been looking for a ring for the last two months
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“He asked how much he should spend on a ring and make it a special moment.”
The U.S. Sun has been told Belichick is ready to drop $200,00 on a sparkly surprise for Jordon.
‘It’s disgusting’, Super Bowl champion slams ‘pig’ Bill Belichick, 72, for dating 24-year-old cheerleader Jordon Hudson
He reportedly met her on a flight in 2021 and started dating officially in June this year after a split from his partner of 16 years, Linda Holliday.
The pair have been pictured together on numerous occasions.
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“He has to decide very soon because he has to pick between two rings that jewelry designers suggested to him,” added the pal.
According to our sources, romantic Belichick is seriously considering a destination wedding in the Caribbean or Croatia.
The downsides of having a massive age gap relationship
Dr. Jenn Mann, MFT, a licesesed therapist, reveals the key issues experienced by romantic partners with a huge age gap between them.
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Dr. Mann claimed it might initially feel exciting when one partner is much younger than the other, like Bill Belichick, 72, and Jordon Hudson, 24, who share a whopping 48-year age difference.
“When people get older, they might just think it is refreshing that a young woman is looking at them adoringly and is attracted to them and is interested in him,” Dr. Mann told The U.S. Sun.
“[But] there is a huge gap in life experience — in just years on this planet, in the way that helps us to evolve, develop, and mature.”
“Even the most mature young person, when there is a 40-year age gap, the older people are incredibly immature.
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“You’re not meeting in the middle regarding development and life experience.”
Dr. Mann said one common consideration for older male partners would be the younger female wanting a father figure.
“Usually, younger women are drawn to much older men because of unresolved issues with their fathers,” Dr. Mann added.
“This could be a lack of attention, love, someone not being there, or even someone being in the household but not being present the way she might wish he was.”
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Dr. Mann noted that sexual and intimacy issues might begin to be at play, given the older partner may not have as much energy.
What’s more, for older men, “it becomes more difficult typically to get and maintain an erection,” she said.
“There are problems related to sexual performance, which can create other risks when it comes to taking medication for sexual performance.”
Socially, Dr. Mann suggested that issues may arise between a couple when they mix with friends from different generations.
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“In this case, if they’re hanging with Bill’s friends in their seventies or even sixties and fifties, a 24-year-old woman at that table will likely struggle to find common ground socially,” she said.
By Emma Bussey
“Bill loves the Adriatic coast, the romantic spots and landscapes,” said the source.
“He loves to make things special for her.
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“The goal is to get engaged after the end of the season when they will both have a break from work. “
Once the NFL season is over and his TV and media commitments are over, Belichick plans to whisk Jordon away to the French Riviera, Italy, and then back to Croatia.
A return to coaching is a possibility, although The U.S. Sun revealed last week that the Pats icon has no chance of taking over the New York Jets following Robert Saleh’s brutal sacking.
Whatever he decides, his new girlfriend will have his back.
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“He feels like it’s a new start in his life,” confirmed the source.
“She will support him whatever he decides to do. They are an excellent and united couple.”
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Belichick and Jordan are thought to have met on a flight while sat next to each otherCredit: TMZ Sports
The Detroit Lions will be without Jameson Williams for the next two weeks. The third-year receiver has been suspended two games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, according to ESPN.
This is the second suspension for Williams in his career. The 23-year-old sat out four games last season for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
The Lions drafted Williams with the No. 12 pick in 2022. He only played in six games as a rookie while he recovered from an ACL tear he suffered in the College Football Playoff.
He emerged as a weapon for Detroit’s offense late in 2023 and already has career highs in receiving yards (361) and TD receptions (3) this season. He ranks second on the team in both categories, behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Lions beat Vikings 31-29, Are they the best team in the NFC? | The Herd
The 5-1 Lions are coming off a dramatic 31-29 win over the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Next, Detroit will host the Tennessee Titans before traveling to Lambeau Field for a showdown with the Green Bay Packers. Both games will air on FOX.
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