Mikel Arteta names TWO Arsenal player who ‘has to improve more’ after recent assessement
Mikel Arteta Names TWO Arsenal Players Who ‘Have to Improve More’ After Recent Assessment
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a frank assessment of his squad following their recent performances, highlighting two players, Jakub Kiwior and Mikel Merino, as individuals who “have to improve more” to meet the high standards required at the club. Arteta, known for his meticulous attention to detail and unrelenting drive for excellence, addressed the development of these players in a recent press conference, emphasizing their potential but urging them to step up in key areas.
Jakub Kiwior: Adapting to the Premier League
Since his arrival from Spezia in January 2023, Jakub Kiwior has shown glimpses of promise but has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent force in Arsenal’s defensive line. The 23-year-old Polish defender, known for his versatility and ball-playing ability, has struggled at times to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. While his technical skills and composure on the ball have been evident, lapses in concentration and positioning have occasionally cost the team in crucial moments.
Arteta acknowledged Kiwior’s potential, stating:
“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. There are moments when he needs to be more aggressive and assertive in his decisions. We believe in him, but he has to take responsibility and work harder to improve in those areas.”
Kiwior’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, with strong displays in cup competitions offset by inconsistent outings in the league. Arteta’s comments suggest that while the defender remains an important part of Arsenal’s long-term plans, he will need to accelerate his development to become a regular starter.
Mikel Merino: Finding Consistency in Midfield
Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window, has faced similar challenges in acclimating to the demands of English football. The Spanish midfielder, highly regarded for his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of a game, has struggled to replicate the consistency he displayed in La Liga.
Arteta highlighted Merino’s potential but did not shy away from pointing out the areas where he must improve:
“Mikel is an intelligent player with great technical quality. However, in this league, you need to be relentless in every game. He has to improve his defensive work rate and his physicality in transitions. We know what he can bring to the team, but he has to push himself to reach that level consistently.”
Merino’s performances have been scrutinized, particularly in matches against high-intensity opponents where his defensive contributions have been questioned. Arteta’s comments underline the need for Merino to adapt to the faster pace and increased physical demands of the Premier League, a challenge that many players from overseas leagues face.
Arteta’s Message: The Standard Must Be Met
Arteta’s remarks serve as a reminder of the high standards he expects from his players as Arsenal continue their push for domestic and European success. While he acknowledged the challenges both Kiwior and Merino face in adjusting to the Premier League, his message was clear: potential alone is not enough.
“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 are here to support them, but ultimately, it’s up to them to rise to the challenge.”
The Road Ahead
Both players will have opportunities to prove themselves in the coming months, with Arsenal competing on multiple fronts. For Kiwior, regular minutes in cup competitions and occasional league starts could provide the platform he needs to grow in confidence and assert his presence. For Merino, refining his game against top-tier opposition will be critical to unlocking his potential and becoming a key figure in Arteta’s midfield.
The Arsenal manager’s comments are likely to resonate not just with Kiwior and Merino but with the entire squad, reinforcing the ethos of continuous improvement that has defined Arteta’s tenure. As the Gunners aim to build on their recent successes, the development of these two players could prove pivotal in their pursuit of silverware.
